Kenworth introduced two new battery-electric trucks at the recent ACT Expo. The T880E, a Class 8 vocational electric truck for the North American truck market. The Next Generation T680E is designed for short and regional haul, LTL and drayage operations. Both are now available for order from Kenworth dealers in the US and Canada, and customer deliveries are scheduled to begin later this year.
The T880E Class 8 vocational electric truck
The all-new T880E is driven by the ePowertrain platform, which was developed in-house by Kenworth parent company PACCAR. The fully integrated powertrain system delivers between 365-470 hp continuous power and up to 605 hp peak with 1,850 lb-ft of torque.
The T880E offers four battery-string options, along with wheelbase and vehicle configurations to fit a variety of customer needs. The largest battery configuration offers 625 kWh of energy, boasts 250+ miles of range, and is offered in gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) up to 82,000 lbs. The T880E uses a CCS1 DC charge port, and supports a 350 kW peak charging rate.
Joe Adams, Kenworth’s Chief Engineer, explains that the central drive eMotor allows for wheelbase flexibility and lift axle installations, and makes for a vocational-friendly BEV integration. The T880E will feature factory-installed options for high- and low-voltage ePTO ports, which can be used to power equipment, a mechanical ePTO, or body configurations in conjunction with aftermarket upfitters.
The T880E is offered in both set-back front axle and set-forward front axle configurations with the same multi-piece hood construction as the legacy diesel T880. Inside the cab, driver-focused technology includes the Kenworth SmartWheel and a new 15-inch DriverConnect digital touchscreen. Driver assistance features include DigitalVision Mirrors, Bendix Fusion and Lane Keeping Assist.
“The Kenworth T880E marks a groundbreaking milestone in Kenworth’s history as we bring to market the first Class 8 battery-electric solution built for vocational applications,” said Kevin Haygood, Assistant General Manager for Sales and Marketing. “The T880E is engineered to meet the evolving needs of operators and vocational fleets while still providing the durability, reliability and customization our customers expect.”
The Next Generation T680E electric truck for short-haul and drayage
The Next Generation T680E is designed for short- and regional-haul, LTL, and drayage operations. It is available as either a tractor or straight truck in a 6×4 axle configuration.
The T680E’s ePowertrain system delivers between 365 and 470 hp continuous power and up to 605 hp peak, with 1,850 lb-ft of torque. According to Joe Adams, the central drive eMotor and updated vehicle architecture allows for increased battery capacity, charging speeds, wheelbase flexibility, and drivability.
The T680E offers three battery-string configurations, allowing for customizable range, horsepower ratings and vehicle weight to fit customer requirements. The largest battery configuration features a 500 kWh battery pack that delivers 200+ miles of range, and is offered in GVWRs up to 82,000 lb. The T680E also supports CCS1 DC fast charging at up to 350 kWh.
“This move to a fully integrated and ground-up PACCAR design means we were able to design for enhanced serviceability, providing easier access to the Master Service Disconnects for improved safety and increased uptime and allowing the use of the DAVIE service tool for troubleshooting and diagnostics,” Adams said.
Like the T880E, the T680E features an upgraded digital interface that provides drivers with BEV-specific insights into range, regenerative braking, and performance, and the same choice of Kenworth ADAS packages.
Source: Kenworth