Kenworth and Peterbilt are offering new medium-duty battery-electric trucks, with both manufacturers adding multiple Class 6-8 models.
Kenworth has launched its first conventional medium-duty battery-electric trucks — the T280E, T380E and T480E — expanding its Class 6-8 zero-emission lineup for pickup and delivery, utility, regional haul and vocational applications.
Peterbilt has expanded its electric vehicle lineup with new medium-duty models — the 536EV, 537EV and 548EV — broadening the company’s zero-emissions applications.
The 536EV and 537EV are designed for regional delivery, service, and utility applications. The Class 8 548EV supports 4×2 tractor and vocational configurations with PTOs, including dump trucks.
Kenworth’s models are powered by Paccar’s integrated ePowertrain platform, offering multiple e-motor ratings from 170 kW (230 hp continuous, 335 hp peak) up to 350 kW (470 hp continuous, 605 hp peak), with peak torque of 1,100 or 1,850 lb.-ft. Customers can specify configurations suited to local delivery, regional distribution or higher-power vocational work.
Battery options include 250 kWh, providing up to 200 miles (322 km) of range, and 375 kWh, offering up to 280 miles (450 km). DC fast charging of up to 350 kW enables charging times as short as one hour, depending on battery size and charger type.
“The launch of our new medium-duty battery-electric lineup demonstrates Kenworth’s dedication to helping customers transition to zero-emission transportation with practical, powerful and flexible solutions,” Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing, said in a news release.
Peterbilt’s performance options include two battery capacities delivering up to 280 miles (450 km) of range, 350 kW DC fast charging to reach 80% in about 80 minutes and furnished-by-owner ePTO ratings of 25 kW or 150 kW. Bendix Fusion Stop & Auto-Go, configurable PTO controls, industry-standard lighting connections and customizable frame layouts are standard.
Packed with technology
Additional technology includes the Paccar ePowertrain, a 15-inch EV-specific digital display, SmartLINQ energy and location monitoring, configurable preconditioning, charge scheduling, and an electronic park brake with rollaway mitigation.
The Paccar ePowertrain — also used in the 579EV and 567EV — offers midship dual electric motors, an integrated three-speed transmission, selectable regenerative braking, LFP battery chemistry and support for 4×2 and 6×4 configurations up to 82,000 pounds (37,194 kg) gross combined weight.
“Optimized for the demands of the medium-duty segment, the next generation of Peterbilt electric vehicles deliver excellent efficiency, rapid charging and versatile configurations,” Erik Johnson, assistant general manager of sales and marketing, said in a news release.
Kenworth models
Kenworth’s Class 6 T280E (26,000 lb. GVWR, U.S. non-CDL) offers up to 200 miles of range with e-motor ratings up to 270 kW and 1,100 lb.-ft. of torque, aimed at pickup and delivery and urban routes.
Class 7/8 T380E (33,000–50,000 lb. GCWR) is available as a truck or tractor with up to 350 kW and 1,850 lb.-ft., and up to 280 miles of range for regional haul, utility and light vocational work.
The Class 8 T480E (66,000–82,000 lb. GCWR) is available as a truck or tractor with similar power ratings and up to 200 miles of range for heavier delivery, drayage, utility and selected vocational applications.
Kenworth says Paccar’s central drive e-motor design allows wheelbase flexibility, lift axles and vocational-focused integrations. Factory-installed high-voltage ePTO ports are available to power mounted equipment.
Ev-specific hood panels
Peterbilt’s models feature blue exterior accents and EV-specific hood panels. The interior includes laser-etched trim and a Magneto Gray color scheme.
Kenworth’s vehicles share cab features with diesel models, including Kenworth SmartWheel controls, a 15-inch digital display, RAM mounts and factory PTO switches. Blue exterior and interior accents identify the zero-emission models.
Peterbilt says it continues to support charging deployment through partnerships with infrastructure providers. AC and DC chargers up to 400 kW are available through Paccar Parts, with planning and installation services offered through QMerit and Schneider Electric.
“Kenworth builds a truck and a powertrain for every job and is proud to expand our comprehensive range of battery-electric models across both vocational and on-highway markets,” Kenworth’s Haygood said.
The trucks are now available for order through Kenworth dealers in the U.S. and Canada, with production scheduled for 2026.
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