Kenworth recently announced that it will collaborate with Meritor on electric powertrain development for Class 8 Kenworth T680E battery-electric vehicles.
The electric Kenworth T680E will be a short-hood day cab in tractor configurations of 4×2 and 6×4 axles and as a 6×4 axle straight truck. Based on the application of the specific truck in use, the T680E will offer an operating range between 100 to 150 miles.
“The Kenworth T680E development in collaboration with Meritor is a major advanced technology step in Kenworth’s evolution of zero-emission electric powertrain solutions for our customers,” said Kevin Baney, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. “Initial production of the Kenworth T680E is expected to begin in the fourth quarter 2020 and ramp through 2021.”
“We look forward to working closely with Kenworth to help develop the Kenworth T680E as an important, viable battery-electric answer for the day cab market,” said T.J. Reed, vice president of Global Electrification for Meritor.
This variation of T680 is the next in a long line of emissions focused power units to be developed by Kenworth. In a similar joint venture that took place last year, the truck maker has worked with automaker Toyota to produce a hydrogen fuel cell T680.
The PACCAR integrated powertrain was developed to cut significant weight, improve fuel consumptions, and ease operations pain points.
About Meritor, Inc.
Meritor, Inc. is a leading global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking and aftermarket solutions for commercial vehicle and industrial markets. With more than a 110-year legacy of providing innovative products that offer superior performance, efficiency and reliability, the company serves commercial truck, trailer, off-highway, defense, specialty and aftermarket customers around the world. Meritor is based in Troy, Mich.