Toyota Solidifies Hydrogen Commitments
At the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo, Toyota Motor North America reaffirmed its commitment to a hydrogen-based future by announcing major investments, including the rollout of hydrogen-powered Class 8 fuel cell trucks for its North American logistics fleet. To support the trucks, Toyota plans to build a new hydrogen fueling station at its North American Parts Center in California, working with partners like Air Liquide and Iwatani to ensure reliable hydrogen supply and high-flow fueling capabilities. Toyota also introduced its next-generation Gen 3 Fuel Cell system in North America, promising 20% greater efficiency and power, with truck applications expected to last over 600,000 miles without major service. Globally, Toyota is expanding hydrogen production technologies, including electrolysis and methane-derived hydrogen. These efforts align with Toyota’s broader 2050 Challenge goal to drastically cut carbon emissions across its operations and supply chain.
Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has launched a new Toyota Hydrogen Solutions webpage, serving as a business hub for customers interested in hydrogen-based products, services, and solutions. Announced at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo, the site offers product details, case studies, and contact options for businesses aiming to reduce emissions with Toyota’s fuel cell technologies. Toyota’s fuel cells, already used in vehicles like the Mirai FCEV and heavy machinery, power stationary systems and vehicles while emitting only water vapor. The company emphasizes its broader role beyond vehicles by offering modular systems for a variety of applications. TMNA, with over 30 years of hydrogen fuel cell development in the U.S., is also preparing domestic assembly of fuel cell kits in Kentucky.
Evolectric Unveils Gen3 CircularEV™ Kit
At ACT Expo 2025, Evolectric introduced its Gen3 CircularEV™ Kit, offering the highest range and payload in the shortest wheelbase for work truck electrification without sacrificing customizations. The new kit, compatible with Class 3–5 Isuzu models, supports compact 12-foot body sizes and boasts upgraded CATL battery technology for up to 150 miles of range with fast DC charging in under an hour. Eligible for major California incentives and offering up to 45% lower upfront costs compared to new EV trucks, the Gen3 Kit helps fleets achieve significant savings and operational flexibility. Additional features include V2G readiness, safety enhancements, and integrated ePTO and eTRU support. Evolectric is also expanding its certified installer network to provide fast, local service with kit installations targeted at just two days.
ZM Trucks Partners Upfits DS24
ZM Trucks announced a new collaboration with DS24 to integrate custom body solutions — including dry freight, refrigerated, platform, dump, and specialty bodies — onto ZM’s electric truck chassis featuring 600V dual ePTO and 24V infrastructure. The partnership, centered around ZM’s new North American facilities in Fontana, California, enables closer engineering collaboration to deliver high-quality, tailored electric vehicle solutions. ZM Trucks will showcase its Class 5/6 ZM8 model at ACT Expo 2025, highlighting the companies’ shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and improved fleet performance.
Workhorse W56 Electric Step Van Drives Cross-County to ACT Expo Anaheim
Workhorse Group Inc. announced the successful completion of a 2,400-mile drive from Cincinnati, Ohio to Anaheim, California in its W56 electric step van, arriving just in time for North America’s largest advanced vehicle technology event, ACT Expo 2025. The W56 demonstrated consistent real-world performance across nine states, achieving 27 MPGe—three times the efficiency of traditional ICE vans—and cutting average fuel costs by 53%. Coupled with 40% lower scheduled maintenance costs over five years, the W56 offers a compelling total cost of ownership advantage for commercial fleet operators.
This cross-country journey, part of Workhorse’s “We Drove It Here” campaign, showcased the W56’s ability to navigate charging deserts, mountainous terrains, and urban traffic with ease. A video capturing key moments of the trip highlights the vehicle’s reliability and practicality, reinforcing Workhorse’s commitment to delivering electric vehicles built for real operational needs, not just show-floor displays. Previous demonstrations included a 1,000-mile drive to Orlando and a 150-mile trip to Indianapolis, further establishing the W56’s credibility.
At ACT Expo, attendees can test drive the same W56 that completed the journey and explore additional models like the W4 CC electric cab chassis, featuring a CTEC utility body upfitted by Kingsburg Truck Center. Kingsburg’s participation highlights the growing ecosystem supporting medium-duty EV adoption, with a focus on combining operational performance with incentive program compliance to help fleets transition affordably and effectively.
The W56, designed for last-mile delivery with up to 150 miles of real-world range, and the W4 CC platform are both approved for sale in Canada and eligible for key federal and state incentive programs. Workhorse’s ongoing field testing, combined with strategic dealer partnerships, underlines its mission to make EV adoption a practical, cost-effective reality for commercial fleets across North America.
Kenworth Shows Class 8 BEVs & Low NOxer
At ACT Expo 2025, Kenworth unveiled an expanded lineup of advanced powertrain solutions, emphasizing innovation in battery-electric, natural gas, and clean diesel technologies. Key announcements included the debut of the next-generation Kenworth T680E and the new T880E — the industry’s first Class 8 battery-electric truck designed specifically for vocational applications. Both models feature Kenworth’s new PACCAR-developed ePowertrain and upgraded driver-focused in-cab technologies. Additionally, Kenworth introduced the T680 and T880 models equipped with the X15N, the first 15-liter natural gas engine offering diesel-like performance, and highlighted the PACCAR MX-13 CARB low NOx engine as a 50-state compliant option.
The new T680E and T880E models incorporate major updates to driver comfort and usability, including an ergonomically redesigned dashboard, a 15-inch digital touchscreen, and a wireless charging system. Interior enhancements feature updated seats, trim packages, blue carbon fiber accents, and stylish blue stitching, further cementing Kenworth’s commitment to its “Driver’s Truck” philosophy. These upgrades not only improve the battery-electric models but will also influence future updates across the broader Kenworth product range.
Kenworth also announced that the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including DigitalVision Mirrors, Bendix Fusion, and Lane Keeping Assist, are available on its new BEV models to enhance safety and the driving experience. The company emphasized that the Next Generation BEV platform was carefully engineered for superior drivability, ensuring that every Kenworth continues to deliver the premium experience customers expect.
Founded in 1923, Kenworth remains at the forefront of developing heavy- and medium-duty trucks with cutting-edge clean energy technologies. With its growing portfolio of diesel, natural gas, and zero-emission vehicles, Kenworth continues to create flexible, future-ready transportation solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of fleets across all industries.
Harbinger Innovative Plug-In Hybrid
Harbinger, a leading American manufacturer of electric and hybrid vehicles for medium-duty fleets, unveiled its groundbreaking plug-in series hybrid at ACT Expo 2025. The new model combines an electric drivetrain with a gasoline-powered range extender, delivering up to 500 miles of range. Designed to meet the demands of fleets with extended routes or heavier usage needs, Harbinger’s hybrid is available for pre-order now, with deliveries expected in 2026.
The hybrid platform features a low-emissions 1.4-liter gasoline engine, paired with an 800V generator and a 50-gallon fuel tank, to recharge either a 140 or 175 kWh battery system. The truck’s electric powertrain delivers up to 440 horsepower and 1,140 lb-ft of torque, with rapid DC fast charging capabilities. Developed for a wide range of medium-duty applications—from delivery vans to emergency vehicles—the stripped chassis design integrates key systems, including brakes, steering, and the full electric drive system.
Manufactured in Garden Grove, California, Harbinger’s chassis leverages a vertically integrated process to control costs and minimize exposure to tariff risks. Battery cells are supplied by Panasonic Energy, with plans to localize production in Kansas. The hybrid chassis will also support RV industry leaders like THOR Industries to produce next-generation recreational vehicles.
At ACT Expo, Harbinger is showcasing its vehicles at booth #4569. Harbinger’s all-electric vehicle will be available for test drives during the Ride and Drive event hosted by ACT Expo on Tues., April 29, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. PT, and Wed., April 30 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. PT. Participation is first come first serve. Harbinger Co-founder and CEO John Harris will be speaking on an ACT Expo Innovative Tech Showcase panel entitled “EV Inflection Point: The Factors Driving Mass Adoption of EVs” at 9 a.m. PT on May 1.
Panasonic Energy is Harbinger’s Official Battery Supplier
Harbinger, a U.S.-based medium-duty electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has announced Panasonic Energy as its official battery cell supplier. Panasonic will provide its high-density 2170 lithium-ion battery cells, known for their energy density exceeding 800 Wh/L, to power Harbinger’s proprietary electric chassis. These batteries will be integrated into Harbinger’s American-made medium-duty EVs, which include applications such as delivery vans, box trucks, and emergency response vehicles.
Initially, Panasonic’s battery cells will be produced in Japan and shipped to Harbinger’s facility in Garden Grove, California. Plans are underway to expand production to Panasonic’s De Soto, Kansas plant, aiming to create a fully U.S.-sourced battery pack assembly—the first of its kind in the commercial vehicle sector. Harbinger’s vertically integrated manufacturing approach, which includes in-house design and assembly of key systems, supports cost efficiency and product reliability. The company is currently working to fulfill approximately 5,000 pre-orders from major customers, including Bimbo Bakeries USA and THOR Industries.
Panasonic Energy’s 2170 cells are recognized for their safety and reliability, with a track record of approximately 19 billion lithium-ion EV batteries supplied globally without any vehicle recalls due to battery-related issues.