Kenworth, has this week launched two new electric trucks in the USA with a range of up to 320 km. , with electric versions of both its K270 Class 6 and K370E Class 7 trucks which have been labelled the K270E and K370E.
Kenworth says the trucks are equipped with 141 kWh and 282 kWh battery packs enabling 160km and 320km range, respectively.
Kenworth confirmed the trucks will have DC fast-charging compatibility with the choice of two direct-drive electric motors rated at 355 hp and 469 hp.
The trucks will be available with wheelbases of up to 206 inches (7.2 metre box bodies), 218 inches (7.8 metre box bodies), and 274 inches (9 metre box bodies).
Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president, Kevin Baney said Kenworth is committed to provide advanced vehicle technologies, and the medium duty K270E and K370E electric trucks are a major step forward.
“Our popular and proven cabover platform now offers fully integrated, state-of-the-art electric powertrains combined with exceptional visibility and superior manoeuverability,” said Baney.
Kenworth is now making the trucks available to order for its clients in North America, and it expects deliveries to begin by the end of this year.
Kenworth’s announcement comes at a time when a number of significant new commercial electric trucks are about to arrive on US roads.
Daimler is already delivering some of its own class 6, 7, and 8 electric trucks, and Tesla is preparing to disrupt the industry with the Tesla Semi, while hydrogen fuel cell start-up Nikola says its first trucks are due to hit US roads next year.
