How low can American trucks go?

The ACT Expo 2026 took place in Las Vegas in early May, billing itself as "where OEMs, tech leaders, and fleets unveil new vehicles, debut breakthrough products, and announce partnerships that set the pace for the future of road transport".

So did it deliver?

As has been the case for a number of years most, but not all, of the exhibitors showed off the latest, low emission vehicles and technology designed to significantly reduce emissions in current fleets.

Frankly, anyone with a technology designed to take the trucking industry forward has to be at the ACT Expo, in order to tap into the giant US trucking industry’s growing demand for lower emissions solutions.

“Electric truck demand in the US is becoming more selective as fleets reassess costs, infrastructure and policy support, according to new analysis unveiled at ACT Expo 2026 in Las Vegas,” explained the Editor of the UK’s Commercial Motor magazine, Will Shiers, who was reporting from the event.

“The latest State of Sustainable Fleets report suggests that while battery-electric vehicles are gaining traction in certain applications, particularly medium-duty and depot-based operations, broader uptake in heavy-duty trucking is being tempered by the removal of US federal incentives, high vehicle costs and ongoing infrastructure challenges.

“Instead of backing a single technology, fleets are increasingly spreading investment across a mix of diesel, renewable fuels, gas and electric vehicles in a bid to manage risk and maintain operational flexibility.”

ACT Expo attendees were offered an on-road experience with two Tesla prime movers available for a ride and drive program, although it was limited to passenger rides only.

Now in production at Tesla’s Nevada Gigafactory, the long-delayed heavy-duty electric prime mover is actually about to appear on US roads, a long nine years after being first presented back in 2017. Tesla claims a range of 800km, at US masses, from its claimed 1000hp powerplant which utilises three electric motors.

ACT Expo 2026 also saw axle maker Hendrickson display its first foray into driven axles, with the debut of its Electraax electric drive axle for medium-duty trucks.

The e-axle was developed under a collaboration with Driventic, a German engineering company which is a spin-off from Voith’s turbo division.

The integrated unit incorporates electric motor, inverter, gearbox and axle all in one, and Hendrickson claims a 94 per cent efficiency gain.

The package also includes regenerative braking functionality plus a single-speed gearbox for improved efficiency. The axle is said to offer a low-emissions solution for truck makers without a major mass penalty.

The Volvo Group displayed the truck manufacturer’s diesel engines for US EPA 2027-compliance, for both Volvo and Mack in the North American market.

The 13 litre D13 and MP13 engines offer precisely the same specifications at 540hp, with torque at 2650Nm.

This new engine classification for Mack also sees the brand move away from its historical numbering using cubic inches, and entering the 21st century by using the metric cubic capacity in the engine’s name.

Improved diesel engines still need to be developed for the US market as the new stricter emission rules also come with improved fuel efficiency limits. The stricter US EPA 2027 limits NOx emissions to a 35mg limit, as well as complying with the higher fuel efficiency requirements.

Volvo claims its new engine reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by over 80 per cent, while Mack reckons it has attained a fuel economy improvement of up to three per cent. Engine braking on the two new 13 litre engines is said to achieve an impressive 630hp of retardation.

Other announced changes from the previous generation of engines include new turbos plus reduced fuel use and improved drivability from new predictive software. An example of the increased drivability is the new Mack 13 litre now reaches peak torque at 900rpm.

“This engine is our most fuel-efficient and reliable engine ever,” said Peter Voorhoeve, President of Volvo Trucks North America.

Hydrogen is playing a growing role in the drive towards zero emissions and Toyota Motor North America’s latest deal with Hyroad Energy will see 40 hydrogen fuel cell prime movers on the roads of southern California.

The joint venture will operate using trucks, maintenance, software and operational support from Hyroad, while Toyota comes to the party with its hydrogen refuelling infrastructure currently being developed in California.

Customers will be able to access truck, fuel and other services from one supplier entity formed by Toyota and Hyroad. The aim is to bring the supply of vehicles, fuel and services together under a single commercial model that fleets can actually use.

Hyroad has purchased what is left of the failed Nikola Corporation’s assets, including over 100 fuel cell trucks, parts and software; all ready to go.

Claiming a truck range of up to 800km, Toyota and Hyroad reckon they can offer efficient zero emission trucking in a single package, at an affordable price.

ACT Expo 2026 saw the debut of the new Le Series battery-electric medium-duty trucks, as the next step in the Toyota-owned Hino brand’s move into zero emission territory.-

Two variants were on show; the L6e is an 11.8 tonnes GVM model and the L7e offers a 15 tonne GVM, with both targeting urban and regional applications where electrification is more viable.

These two new models feature an integrated e-axle delivering up to 348hp, coupled to a two-speed transmission. The models are fitted with a Hexagon Purus 269kWh battery, using Panasonic cells.

Hino claims the the trucks can handle DC fast charging at up to 120kW, with the ability to charge a battery up to 80 per cent charge in less than two hours. These vehicles are set to roll off the production line in the US later this year.

With a similar design and silhouette to the Tesla and Windrose models, but without the centrally located driver’s seat, the heavy-duty 6x4 battery-electric prime mover, the HM8 BEVSM (above) is from another new truck brand, Horizon Motor.

We'll keep an eye out for future developments...

Finally, it was hard to miss this Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Tesla Cybertruck, in full cop car livery, patrolling the ACT Expo site. It's one of ten in the city.

Photos: Courtesy of Will Shiers

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