Kenworth, a Paccar-owned truck brand, has announced it is beginning production of its first Class 8 zero emissions T680 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV)
The truck will be powered by Toyota fuel cell technology and initial customer deliveries are planned for 2024, with serial production scheduled for 2025. The announcement was made at the ACT Expo being held at the Anaheim Convention Center in California on May 2, 2023.
According to Kenworth, the T680 FCEV will have a range of up to 450 miles making it one of the longest-range zero emissions trucks on the market. The truck is equipped with Toyota’s 310kW Dual Motor Assembly, capable of providing 415hp continuously, and the Toyota Gen 2 Dual Fuel Cell Module.
“The T680 FCEV was engineered to offer one of the longest driving ranges of any zero emissions trucks on the market,” said Kevin Baney, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. “With quick refueling, this broadens our zero-emission product offering to include round-the-clock operations in regional haul and demonstrates FCEV potential for long haul.”
Kenworth and Toyota collaborated closely on developing the T680 FCEV, with Kenworth integrating Toyota’s latest advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology into its flagship T680 on-highway truck. The two companies completed a joint pilot programme at the Port of Los Angeles last year, where Kenworth customers operated 10 prototype T680 FCEVs in a real-world setting. The programme’s success laid the foundation for Kenworth and Toyota engineers to develop the T680 FCEV that is the focus of the current commercialisation plans.
“After years of research and development with Toyota and product testing the T680 FCEV in real-world operations, it’s an exciting time in Kenworth’s history to bring this technologically advanced truck to market,” said Baney. “Kenworth is proud to be an industry leading producer of zero emission transportation solutions for our customers. The T680 FCEV is a great addition to our lineup of Class 6, 7 and 8 battery-electric models that are available today.”
Kenworth dealers in the United States and Canada are now accepting deposits for the first T680 FCEV builds, indicating strong interest from customers.
“Toyota is excited to take the next step in this joint effort with Kenworth to provide a zero-emission powertrain kit to its customers,” said Matt Stich, general manager Fuel Cell Solutions, Toyota Motor North America. “This proven hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric technology will allow commercial customers to help reduce carbon and operate more sustainably.”
