Kenworth Truck Co. has postponed the production of its hydrogen fuel cell electric T680 trucks, citing a lack of adequate hydrogen refueling infrastructure across North America, the company said.
A revised production timeline has not yet been announced, as the company reassesses the commercial readiness of its zero-emission vehicles. “We’re waiting for the appropriate refueling infrastructure in the U.S.,” said Kenworth Chief Engineer Joe Adams. “We want to make sure the tractor unit is profitable.”
See also: Paccar and Toyota Collaborate to Introduce Hydrogen-Fuelled Kenworth and Peterbilt Trucks in the US
Kenworth, a subsidiary of Paccar, initially announced plans nearly two years ago to outfit its Class 8 T680 tractors with Toyota’s next-generation hydrogen fuel cell modules. The company began accepting pre-orders and had aimed to begin customer deliveries last year.
The hydrogen model was seen as a logical step, following the launch of Kenworth’s battery-electric version of the T680. Ten fuel cell T680 trucks were deployed at the Port of Los Angeles in 2022 as part of a pilot program to validate the truck’s performance and range, which the manufacturer claims reaches up to 450 miles (724 kilometers). The model is powered by Toyota’s 310 kW Dual Motor Assembly, providing 415 horsepower and capable of hauling up to 37 tonnes.
See also: Knight-Swift Transportation Takes Delivery of Kenworth T680E Class 8 Battery-Electric Vehicle
Kenworth’s sister brand Peterbilt, also under Paccar, had planned to start production of its fuel cell electric 579 model this year using the same Toyota technology. However, Peterbilt has also confirmed it will delay production until a sufficient hydrogen refueling network is in place nationwide, according to Transport Topics.
Source: ttnews.com