Paccar hails ‘major step forward’ for battery-electric K270E and K370E
Kenworth expects customer delivery of its K270E Class 6 and K370E Class 7 battery-electric vehicles to start by the end of 2020 in the United States and Canada.
Now available for order from dealers there, its electric powertrain is available with high-density battery packs of 141kWh and 282kWh that deliver up to 100 and 200-mile (160km and 320km) range, respectively, with zero emissions.
The trucks use a fast-charging system capable of recharge in as quick as one hour, Kenworth says.
It pits the K270E and K370E cabovers as ideal for local pickup and delivery, as well as short regional haul operations.
Two direct-drive motors are rated at 355hp and 469hp, with enough torque to start the load from a stop on a 20 per cent grade and the power to maintain 40mph (64km/h) on a 6 per cent grade while fully loaded, Kenworth notes.
How Paccar spruiked the K270E at the Consumer Electronics Show in January
Regenerative braking in stop-and-go city conditions recharges the batteries and extends brake life.
All of the components necessary to run the e-powertrain are located in a power cradle under the cab – the space typically occupied by a diesel engine.
“Kenworth is committed to provide advanced vehicle technologies, and the medium-duty K270E and K370E electric trucks are a major step forward,” Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice president Kevin Baney says.
“Our popular and proven cabover platform now offers fully integrated, state-of-the-art electric powertrains combined with exceptional visibility and superior maneuverability.”
Kenworth and automotive parts supplier Dana are collaborating on the K270E and K370E models.
