Kenworth introduces its first electric Class 8 T680 truck

October 15, 2020

Land Line Staff

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Kenworth T680E
The Kenworth T680E has a top speed of 70 mph and an estimated operating range of 150 miles. The electric Class 8 truck is scheduled to be go in production in 2021. (Photo courtesy Kenworth Trucks)

 

Kenworth Trucks has announced the launch of it first electric Class 8 truck, the T680E.

The new zero-emission Kenworth T680E, now available for order from Kenworth dealers in the United States and Canada, will enter into production in 2021, according to a news release.

“The new Kenworth T680E provides our customers with a true, zero-emissions solution that will help to achieve their own green program objectives, while leveraging the excellent performance, reliability and cab comfort of our current T680 on-highway flagship model,” Kevin Baney, general manager and Paccar vice president, said in the news release. Bellevue, Wash-based Paccar manufactures and markets trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates.

The zero-emission Kenworth T680E has an estimated operating range of 150 miles, depending on application. The T680E uses a CCS1 DC fast charger with maximum rate of 120 kilowatt-hours and estimated 3.3-hour charging time.

Designed for pickup and delivery applications, the T680E is initially available as a day cab as either a tractor or straight truck in a 6×4 axle configuration. The new model is offered in 54,000-pound and 82,000-pound gross vehicle weight ratings.

Meritor’s Blue Horizon 14X tandem electric powertrain
Meritor’s Blue Horizon 14X tandem electric powertrain produces up to up to 670 hp peak power and 1,623 lb-ft of torque. (Photo courtesy Kenworth Trucks)

Kirkland, Wash.-based Kenworth collaborated with Troy, Mich.-based component manufacturer Meritor Inc. on developing the T680E, according to the news release The Class 8 battery-electric vehicle features Meritor’s Blue Horizon 14X tandem electric powertrain with smooth shifting and operation. The T680E uses a two-speed integrated transmission and has a top speed of 70 mph.

The Kenworth T680E is equipped with 536 hp continuous-power powertrain and up to 670 hp peak power and 1,623 lb-ft of torque. Meritor’s high/low voltage power electronics – provided by TransPower – are under the hood in the place of a diesel engine.  LL

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