Kenworth Launches Its First-Ever Class 8 Battery-Electric Model – Kenworth T680E

Zero-Emission Vehicle Now Available for Order, Enters Production in 2021

Kenworth has announced the launch of the Kenworth T680E – the company’s first-ever, Class 8 battery-electric model in its esteemed 97-year history. 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.

“The Kenworth T680E launch is an exciting, pioneering moment that builds upon Kenworth’s excellent heritage of providing fleets and truck operators with outstanding and productive trucks driven by quality, innovation and technology,” said Kevin Baney, general manager and PACCAR vice president. 

“Kenworth is leading the way in green initiatives and the T680E definitely will be game-changer in the trucking industry. 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,” said Baney.

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 kWh 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 lb. and 82,000 lb. gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR).

Kenworth and Meritor have closely collaborated on the T680E development. The Class 8 battery-electric vehicle features Meritor’s Blue Horizon 14Xe™ tandem electric powertrain with smooth shifting and operation. The T680E uses a 2-speed integrated transmission and has a top speed of 70 mph. The Kenworth T680E is equipped with 536 hp continuous power 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.

Related

Brandon Meredith of Slay Transportation Awarded Kenworth 100th Anniversary T680 Signature Edition Truck in Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award Program

For the eighth consecutive year, Kenworth teamed with Fastport and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program to find America’s top rookie military veteran who made the successful transition into a civilian truck driving career. Distinguished Army veteran Brandon Meredith received this year’s “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award during a special […]

Driven to Innovate

For engineers at Kenworth, ideas are always coming. They’re constantly considering new ways to incorporate the latest technology into Kenworth trucks, and innovative platform ideas are always in the works. It’s likewise with programs to enhance support after the sale, because customer care goes hand-in-hand with a quality product. “The days of just building and […]