Act Expo Round-up Day 2: Toyota, Rehlk, Hyundai, Plus, Volvo, Accelera, Isuzu, Mack Trucks & Bluebird

On the second day of ACT Expo 2025 in Anaheim CA there were announcements from Toyota, Rehlk, Hyundai, Plus, Volvo, Accelera, Isuzu, Mack Trucks & Bluebird.

Rehlko and Toyota Partner

Rehlko has entered an exclusive agreement with Toyota Motor North America to integrate Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell modules into its stationary power generator products. Announced at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo, the partnership combines Rehlko’s expertise in resilient energy systems with Toyota’s scalable and zero-emission fuel cell technology. The generators, designed for mission-critical infrastructure like data centers and hospitals, emit only water and air at the point of use. Following a successful 100kW deployment in rural Washington, the companies have developed a commercial 1MW system now available for order. The move supports growing demand for clean, reliable backup and primary power solutions.

Hyundai and Plus

At ACT Expo 2025, Hyundai Motor Company and Plus presented a joint concept for a scalable, zero-emission freight ecosystem built around autonomous hydrogen fuel cell trucks. The initiative combines Hyundai’s XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks with Plus’s SuperDrive™ autonomous driving software to offer a clean, efficient alternative for long-haul freight. The plan outlines initial deployment along key freight corridors, stimulating demand for hydrogen refueling infrastructure. The approach aims to reduce emissions, improve safety, and lower operating costs, setting the stage for widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered autonomous transport across the U.S.

Volvo Showcases ‘Together Towards Zero

Volvo Trucks North America is spotlighting its commitment to zero emissions and zero accidents at ACT Expo 2025 with its “Together Towards Zero” vision. Featured technologies include the all-new Volvo VNL—capable of running on renewable diesel and supporting multiple propulsion systems—alongside the Volvo VNR Electric and the VNL Autonomous, now operating commercially in Texas. The booth (#4537) will also highlight innovations from Volvo Penta, Construction Equipment, and Autonomous Solutions, reinforcing a group-wide approach to sustainable transport.

Volvo’s showcase includes key speaker sessions and panels covering hydrogen engines, digital vehicle innovation, infrastructure, and electrification in agriculture and construction. The company emphasizes its goal for 100% zero-emission transport by 2040 and presents the VNL as a platform for future autonomous and electric technologies.

Volvo Trucks Surpasses 15 Million Zero-Emission Miles with VNR Electric in North America

Volvo Trucks North America has announced its electric VNR fleet has surpassed 15 million zero-tailpipe emission miles in customer operations since 2020. With over 700 VNR Electric trucks in use across the U.S. and Canada, Volvo continues to lead in electric truck market share. The company is preparing to launch the next-generation Volvo VNL Electric, featuring extended range through a new integrated e-axle design. Supporting this growth, 74 certified EV dealerships now provide coast-to-coast sales and service, helping fleets of all sizes transition to sustainable transport with robust after-sales support and maintenance contracts.

VNL Autonomous Truck & Expansion

At the 2025 ACT Expo, Volvo Autonomous Solutions (V.A.S.) unveiled the Volvo VNL Autonomous, a fully redundant, production-ready autonomous truck built for scalability and integration with leading self-driving technologies like Aurora Driver and the AI-powered Waabi Driver. Built at Volvo’s New River Valley plant, the truck features critical system redundancies to ensure safe, fail-operational performance. V.A.S. is already hauling autonomous freight between Dallas and Houston, with plans to expand routes across the Sunbelt and eventually nationwide. Alongside vehicle development, Volvo is building an autonomous ecosystem offering Transport-as-a-Service (TaaS), integrating fleet management, uptime services, and logistics optimization. These advancements highlight Volvo’s commitment to delivering safe, efficient, and scalable autonomous freight solutions in North America.

Volvo Penta Showcases Grid-Resilient, Electrification Solutions

At ACT Expo 2025, Volvo Penta is presenting its latest industrial power innovations, focusing on electrification and grid resiliency. Highlighting its Battery Energy Storage Subsystem (BESS), electric driveline, and cube battery, the company is demonstrating technologies designed to support emission reduction and sustainable infrastructure. Vice President Darren Tasker will discuss real-world applications of BESS on April 30, emphasizing flexible energy solutions for off-road and mobile environments. Collaborations with partners like UIG, Rosenbauer, Gradall, and TICO are key to developing tailored, high-performance systems. Volvo Penta also continues to support alternative fuels, with all diesel engines since 2016 compatible with HVO, cutting carbon emissions by up to 90%. As part of the Volvo Group, Volvo Penta is contributing to a net-zero future through shared innovations in energy storage, electromobility, and connectivity.

Accelera and Isuzu Zero-Emissions Powertrain

Accelera by Cummins and Isuzu Motors will unveil a fully integrated battery electric powertrain for the F-Series medium-duty trucks at ACT Expo 2025, with production set for 2027. Designed for Class 6 and 7 trucks in North America, the system includes Accelera’s next-generation lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, the 14Xe eAxle with ELFA motor, and a compact, modular Power Controls and Accessory System (PCAS) 3.0. This innovative solution aims to improve performance, reliability, and total cost of ownership while helping fleets transition to zero-emissions vehicles. With a new low-cab forward chassis, the BEV F-Series truck is suited for applications from urban deliveries to regional hauls and supports a broad range of commercial uses, including transit and vocational vehicles. Most components will be manufactured or assembled in the U.S., reinforcing supply chain localization and supporting commercial fleet decarbonization goals.

Hyliion Fuel-Agnostic KARNO Power Module

Hyliion Holdings Corp.  unveiled its next-generation KARNO Power Module at ACT Expo 2025 in Anaheim, highlighting a breakthrough in modular, fuel-agnostic power generation. The KARNO system uses linear generator technology and advanced additive manufacturing to deliver superior efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Designed for diverse fuel sources, it supports microgrid applications aimed at powering EV charging infrastructure while reducing grid dependency. CEO Thomas Healy will present “Empowering EVs” on April 29, discussing how localized microgrids with KARNO technology can enhance energy resilience and sustainability. The product aims to reshape distributed power generation and help meet long-term energy security goals.

Mack Trucks Unveils BEV Mack Pioneer™

At ACT Expo 2025, Mack Trucks announced it will offer a battery-electric version of its newest highway model, the Mack Pioneer™, expanding its commitment to sustainable Class 8 trucking. The electric Pioneer, built on Mack’s most aerodynamic and fuel-efficient platform, will use a proprietary e-axle and Proterra’s U.S.-engineered battery systems. Available in Day Cab and Short Sleeper configurations, the BEV targets regional haul, drayage, and hub-and-spoke operations. Combining advanced safety features, enhanced connectivity via the MyMack app, and an aerodynamic design—including a digital mirror system—the Pioneer BEV is engineered for performance, driver comfort, and zero-emissions transport.

Blue Bird Shows Electric and Propane Models

Blue Bird Corporation, a leader in clean student transportation, is expanding into the commercial vehicle market with zero- and low-emission platforms showcased at the 2025 ACT Expo. The company unveiled a new electric step van built on its Class 5-6 stripped chassis, offering a 140kWh battery, up to 130 miles of range, and advanced safety features like “hill hold” and “electric creep.” Also on display is the first OEM-installed propane-powered chassis featuring a Ford 7.3L V8 engine, developed in partnership with ROUSH CleanTech. These platforms support fleet efficiency, lower emissions, and cost savings. Both models are expected to be commercially available in early 2026. Blue Bird continues leveraging its school bus manufacturing legacy and domestic production to drive innovation in clean commercial transportation.