Kenworth recently unveiled the next-generation T680E battery-electric truck and launched the T880E—the industry’s first Class 8 vocational battery-electric truck for the North American market.
The T680E is the latest addition to Kenworth’s comprehensive lineup of powertrain offerings. It features the latest advancements in battery-electric technology, an enhanced exterior design, and new in-cab technology, the manufacturer reported. The zero-emission T680E is now available for order from Kenworth dealers in the U.S. and Canada, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin later this year.
The latest T680E features a new Paccar-integrated ePowertrain system that delivers between 365-470 hp continuous power and up to 605 hp peak with 1850 lb.-ft. of torque. According to Joe Adams, Kenworth’s chief engineer, the central drive eMotor and updated vehicle architecture allows for increased battery capacity, charging speeds, wheelbase flexibility, and drivability.
“Our engineering team has worked diligently over the past several years to develop a Paccar-integrated battery-electric platform from the ground up,” Kevin Haygood, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing, said in a news release. “This strategic approach enables us to provide a truck and a powertrain for every job that effectively meet customer needs based on range, performance, reliability and ease of service.”
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-plus miles of range and is offered up to 82,000 lb. gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR). The T680E uses a CCS1 DC fast charger, and with an industry-leading 350 kW peak charge rate, the T680E can charge up to 90% in approximately two hours.
The Next Generation T680E is designed for short and regional-haul, LTL, and drayage operations. It is available as a day cab as either a tractor or straight truck in a 6x4 axle configuration.
“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.
Kenworth launches electric vocational truck
The new T880E extends advancements in battery-electric and driver-focused technologies into vocational applications, Kenworth said. The zero-emission vehicle is now available for order from Kenworth dealers in the U.S. and Canada, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin later this year.
“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,” Haygood said. “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 all-new T880E is driven by the ground-up, Paccar-developed ePowertrain platform. The fully integrated powertrain system delivers between 365-470 hp continuous power and up to 605 hp peak with 1850 lb.-ft. of torque, providing excellent drivability.
The T880E offers four battery-string options, allowing a customizable range from 100 to 250-plus miles, with wheelbase and vehicle configurations to fit a variety of customer needs. The largest battery configuration features 625 kWh of energy storage that delivers 250-plus miles of range and is offered in up to 82,000 lb. gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR). The T880E uses a CCS1 DC charge port featuring an industry-leading 350 kW peak charge rate and can charge up to 90% in approximately two hours.
According to Adams, the central drive eMotor allows for wheelbase flexibility, lift axle installations, and makes for a vocational-friendly BEV integration. Additionally, the T880E will feature factory-installed options for high- and low-voltage ePTO ports, which can be utilized to power equipment, a mechanical ePTO, or body configurations in conjunction with aftermarket body upfitters.
The T880E leverages the features of its combustion counterpart that have made Kenworth a vocational market leader as it is offered in both set-back front axle and set-forward front axle configurations with the same multi-piece hood construction as the T880. Inside the cab, the latest in driver-focused technology includes the Kenworth SmartWheel and a new 15-in. DriverConnect digital touchscreen. Dash and vocational features like RAM Mounts and factory-installed PTO switches are available. The T880E is also offered with Kenworth ADAS packages for customers interested in DigitalVision Mirrors, Bendix Fusion, and Lane Keeping Assist.
“As the industry adapts to evolving regulations, our customers want access to a broad selection of products and technologies, and Kenworth’s comprehensive lineup of high-performance diesel, natural gas, and zero-emission vehicles allow us to provide solutions for every customer need, now and well into the future,” Haygood said.