Kenworth, Peterbilt announce hydrogen fuel cell trucks
Two Paccar truck brands say they have zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks coming soon.
Kenworth Truck Co. says it will have Class 8 zero-emission T680 FCEV hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks coming off the production line in 2024.
Denton, Texas-based Peterbilt also has announced the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell technology for its heavy-duty truck line up.
Both Kenworth and Peterbilt are using technology from Plano, Texas-based Toyota Motor North America. Parent company Paccar announced a strategic partnership with Toyota at Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in May in Anaheim, Calif.
Toyota Motor North America Inc. reports that its hydrogen fuel cell technology has been given zero-emission powertrain certification by the California Air Resources Board. Toyota plans to begin assembly of the modules in the United States in late 2023, the company announced.
Hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks produce electricity by using a fuel cell powered by hydrogen instead of using electricity only from a battery. The vehicles emit only water vapor and warm air.
Kenworth FCEV
Kirkland, Wash.-based Kenworth is putting the hydrogen fuel cell tech into its flagship T680 on-highway truck.
The T680 FCEV has a range of up to 450 miles, depending upon driving conditions, the company stated.
“The T680 FCEV was engineered to offer one of the longest driving ranges of any zero emission trucks on the market,” Kevin Baney, Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice president, said in the company statement.
The truck is equipped with Toyota’s 310kW Dual Motor Assembly, capable of providing 415 horsepower continuously at a maximum payload of 82,000 pounds gross combination weight rating and the Toyota Gen 2 dual fuel cell module.
Kenworth Truck Co. is celebrating 100 years of truck manufacturing in 2023.
Peterbilt fuel cell truck
Peterbilt Motors Co. expects to have its FCEV trucks available in 2025, according to a news release.
“Hydrogen fuel cell technology is a key component of a portfolio of Peterbilt zero-emission vehicles that also includes our advanced battery-electric models,” Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and Paccar vice president, said in the news release.
“The fuel cell is designed to power the vehicle and recharge the batteries in the propulsion system, providing more range without additional battery weight,” said Scott Newhouse, Peterbilt chief engineer. “We are designing these advanced vehicles for optimal performance in longer-haul applications.” LL