Joe Adams, Kenworth’s chief engineer, talks about the next-generation T680E battery-electric truck at ACT Expo.
Kenworth unveiled not one, but two, battery-electric Class 8 trucks at ACT Expo on April 28.
The T880E, the company said, is the industry’s first Class 8 battery-electric truck built for vocational applications.
And Kenworth unveiled the next-generation T680E battery-electric truck, with an all-new Paccar integrated ePowertrain, enhanced exterior design and new in-cab technology.
Both the T880E and next-generation T680E are now available for order from Kenworth dealers in the U.S. and Canada, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin later this year.
Both the latest T680E and all-new T880E feature the Paccar-developed ePowertrain platform. The fully integrated powertrain system delivers between 365 and 470 hp continuous power and up to 605 hp peak with 1850 lb-ft of torque.
The central drive emotor and updated vehicle architecture allow for increased battery capacity, charging speeds, wheelbase flexibility, and drivability, according to Joe Adams, Kenworth’s chief engineer.
The T880E offers four battery-string options, allowing a customizable range from 100 to 250-plus miles, with wheelbase and vehicle configurations to fit a variety of customer needs.
Kenworth T880E: Electric Heavy Duty Truck Designed for Vocational Applications
“The Kenworth T880E marks a groundbreaking milestone in Kenworth’s history as we bring to market the first Class 8 battery-electric solution built for vocational applications,” said Kevin Haygood, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing.
The central drive emotor allows for wheelbase flexibility, lift axle installations, and makes for a vocational-friendly BEV integration, according to Joe Adams, Kenworth’s chief engineer.
The T880E will feature factory-installed options for high and low voltage ePTO ports, which can be used to power equipment, a mechanical ePTO, or body configurations in conjunction with aftermarket body upfitters.
The T880E offers four battery-string options, allowing a customizable range from 100 to 250-plus miles, with wheelbase and vehicle configurations to fit a variety of customer needs.
Joe Adams, Kenworth’s chief engineer, announced the Paccar-developed ePowertrain platform featured in both the T800E and the next-gen T680E.
The largest battery configuration features 625 kWh of energy storage and is offered in up to 82,000-lb. grow vehicle weight ratings. The T880E uses a CCSI DC charge port featuring a 350 kW peak charge rate and can charge up to 90% in approximately two hours.
It is available in both set-back front axle and set-forward front axle configurations with the same multi-piece hood construction as its T880 combustion counterpart.
Inside the cab, driver-focused technology includes the Kenworth SmartWheel and a new 15-inch DriverConnect digital touchscreen.
Dash and vocational features like RAM mounts and factory-installed PTO switches are available.
When the Kenworth T680E was first announced in 2020, using a Meritor/TransPower electric powertrain, it had an estimated operating range of 150 miles, had a maximum charge rate of 120 kWh and an estimated 3.3-hour charging time.
The next-generation T680E announced at ACT Expo can offer more than 200 miles of range, while the CCSI DC fast charger offers a 350 kWh peak charge rate, allowing it to charge up to 90% in about two hours.
Customers have a choice of three battery-string configurations, allowing for customizable range, horsepower ratings, and vehicle weight to fit customer requirements. The largest battery configuration features a 500 kWh battery pack that delivers 200-plus miles of range and is offered up to 82,000-lb. gross vehicle weight ratings.
In addition to a new Paccar-developed electric powertrain, the latest T680E features a complete exterior redesign.
The next-generation T680E is designed for short and regional haul, less than truckload, and drayage operations. It is available as a day cab, either as a tractor or straight truck in a 6×4 axle configuration.
“This move to a fully integrated and ground-up Paccar design means we were able to design for enhanced serviceability, providing easier access to the Master Service Disconnects for improved safety and increased uptime and allowing the use of the DAVIE service tool for troubleshooting and diagnostics,” Adams said.
The T680E features a complete exterior redesign, incorporating aerodynamic refinements. Standard LED headlights with blue accents complement the blue Kenworth badge, a signature of all Kenworth zero-emission vehicles.
Inside the cab, an upgraded digital interface provides drivers with BEV-specific insights into range, regenerative braking, and performance.
Kenworth’s new DriverConnect display integrates a 15-inch digital touchscreen to enhance operation of the battery-electric truck.
Updated Interior Focuses on Technology, Drivers
While the T680E and T880E feature an integrated battery-electric powertrain redesign, the cab interior demonstrates a focus on advancing technology and driver convenience.
The new ergonomically designed dash includes a wireless charger and 15-inch digital touchscreen designed to enhance operation of Kenworth’s new battery-electric vehicles. The T680E and T880E also debut an interior “refresh” with updated seats and trim package.
The updated dash design includes sleek blue carbon fiber accents specific to Kenworth’s new BEV vehicles and blue accent stitching throughout the cabs of both vehicles.
The new interior updates will pave the way for further cab updates across the Kenworth lineup.
The recently announced Kenworth ADAS packages with DigitalVision Mirrors, Bendix Fusion and Lane Keeping Assist are also available on the new models.
“Our customers expect every vehicle we build to ‘drive like a Kenworth’ so it was important to design the Next Generation BEV platform with superior drivability in mind,” Adams said.
“We don’t just give our customers a truck, we deliver a whole solution – and the subtle things matter.”
Kenworth’s battery-electric truck lineup also includes the medium-duty K270E and K370E cabovers.
