Paccar, a US-based truck manufacturer, and Toyota, a Japanese automotive giant, have announced an extension of their collaboration to introduce hydrogen-fuelled Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks. Equipped with Toyota’s next-generation hydrogen fuel cell modules, these trucks will join the existing battery-electric offshoots of the Kenworth T680 and Peterbilt 579 trucks, both Paccar brands. The first hydrogen trucks are expected to reach customers by 2024 and 2025, with the Kenworth T680 truck already available for pre-order in the United States and Canada.
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The Kenworth T680 truck boasts an impressive range of up to 450 miles, or approximately 724 kilometers. The truck features Toyota’s 310 kW Dual Motor Assembly, capable of delivering a continuous output of 415 horsepower, with a maximum payload of the equivalent of 37 tonnes. “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,” says Kevin Baney, Kenworth General Manager, and Paccar Vice President.
Paccar and Toyota have been collaborating on fuel cell trucks for several years. As part of a pilot program, ten Kenworth T680 FCEV trucks were deployed at the Port of Los Angeles last year, which enabled both companies to improve the vehicle’s performance and range. Recently, Toyota’s electric fuel cell powertrain designed for heavy-duty applications received the “Zero Emission Powertrain” certification by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Toyota intends to begin assembling the modules in the United States later this year.
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The introduction of hydrogen-fuelled Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the transportation industry. Heavy-duty trucks account for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, making the transition to cleaner fuels an urgent need. The collaboration between Paccar and Toyota underscores the industry’s commitment to cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions.
