Battery Electric Vehicles: Kenworth’s History of Emissions Reduction

Kenworth has a full line of battery electric trucks including the K270E, K370E and T680E. Kenworth has a long history of innovating to reduce emissions and explore alternative fuels. Kenworth developed and built LNG and CNG powered trucks in the mid 1990’s and in 1996, Kenworth sold its first 10 Liquid Natural Gas trucks to Jack B. Kelly Company.

In 2007, Kenworth released its first hybrid as an optional powertrain on the T300 model. Dunn Lumber of Seattle was the first customer to run the technology that combined a 240 hp PX-6 diesel engine with transmission mounted motor/generator. The trucks saw up to 30 percent fuel economy benefit in some applications.

In 2016, Kenworth built two proof of concept trucks to test in Southern California Ports. One was a T680 with a CNG/Hybrid electric powertrain (HECT), and the other a T680 with a zero emission Hydrogen Fuel Cell powertrain (ZECT). Early development of Hydrogen Fuel Cell powertrains helped Kenworth embark on a 10-truck pilot program in the Port of LA in 2019. The ZANZEFF Shore to Store program funded 10 trucks to operate in drayage applications and compile valuable data on zero emission technology in real world operations.

Today Kenworth offers a full-service solution for converting fleets to zero emissions, including battery electric trucks, charging infrastructure and grant funding specialist to consult on purchases.