US based global truck giant Paccar and Toyota Motor North America have announced an expansion of their joint efforts to develop and produce zero emissions, hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks using Toyota’s next-generation hydrogen fuel cell modules.
The expanded agreement which was announced on the 3rd May, supports ongoing development and commercialised zero-emission versions of the Kenworth T680 and Peterbilt 579 models featuring Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain kit, with initial customer deliveries planned for 2024.
Paccar and Toyota have collaborated on FCEV truck development for the past few years, including a pilot program which deployed ten Kenworth T680 FCEV trucks at the Port of Los Angeles.
The company’s said that the pilot program provided both Kenworth and Toyota with real-world feedback that further enhanced the performance and range of the vehicles.
Toyota says its heavy-duty fuel cell electric powertrain kit which was esigned for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, was recently awarded the Zero Emission Powertrain certification by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Toyota says it will begin assembly of the modules in the United States late this year.
John Rich, Paccar’s chief technology officer, said that having worked extensively with the Toyota team, it is confident that the combined efforts can deliver industry leading FCEV trucks with all of the quality, reliability and aftermarket support that Kenworth and Peterbilt customers depend upon.
“This partnership further expands PACCAR’s industry-leading lineup of zero emissions vehicles that enhance customers’ operational efficiency and reduce their environmental impact,” Rich said.
“We are excited to work with PACCAR to realise a future where Toyota’s industry leading hydrogen fuel cell technology can power heavy-duty trucks that will travel across highways throughout the U.S. with zero emissions,” said Christopher Yang, TMNA group vice president of Business Development.
“This innovative technology enables us to provide our commercial customers with a viable carbon-neutral option to further their business, while also contributing to Toyota’s mission to reduce and ultimately eliminate carbon from the environment,” said Yang.
