Kenworth, a division of PACCAR Inc., has announced the launch of its Class 8 zero emissions T680 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), in collaboration with Toyota Motor North America.
The T680 FCEV integrates Toyota’s latest hydrogen fuel cell technology into Kenworth’s flagship T680 on-highway truck. The vehicle has a range of up to 450 miles, depending upon driving conditions, and is equipped with Toyota’s 310 kW Dual Motor Assembly, capable of providing 415 horsepower continuously at a maximum payload of 82,000 pounds gross combined weight rating (GCWR), and the Toyota Gen 2 Dual Fuel Cell Module.
Kevin Baney, Kenworth General Manager and PACCAR Vice President said that the T680 FCEV was engineered to offer one of the longest driving ranges of any zero-emissions trucks on the market. He added that quick refuelling broadens their zero-emission product offering to include round-the-clock operations in the regional haul and demonstrates FCEV’s potential for the long haul. Initial customer deliveries are planned for 2024, with serial production planned for 2025.
The unveiling of the T680 FCEV comes at a time when there is growing interest in decarbonizing the transportation sector. Shell Fleet Solutions, for instance, will launch its “Accelerate to Zero” program in the US market on May 5, 2023, to help fleets meet their sustainability targets. The program brings together a mix of solutions that Shell developed to help like-minded businesses decarbonize and improve sustainability. According to Shell, the multi-stage program features the flexibility to adjust for a business’s individual requirements and the emergence of evolving technology. The steps include analyzing a fleet’s decarbonization goals, building a clear roadmap designed to help deliver those goals, and setting up a fleet with the appropriate solutions to achieve them.
Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) have become an attractive zero-emission alternative for transportation. According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 2021 report, FCEVs could play a crucial role in meeting the decarbonization targets of the transportation sector. FCEVs produce no harmful emissions and have longer driving ranges than battery-electric vehicles. Moreover, refuelling takes only a few minutes, compared to the hours it takes to recharge a battery-electric vehicle. However, the technology is relatively new, and the development of refuelling infrastructure is still at an early stage.
In conclusion, the partnership between Kenworth and Toyota marks a significant milestone in the journey towards decarbonizing the transportation sector. The T680 FCEV is a promising solution for customers who need a long-range, zero-emission vehicle. Shell’s Accelerate to Zero program is also a welcome development that could help businesses decarbonize their fleets. While hydrogen fuel cell technology has significant potential, the industry’s growth will depend on the development of refuelling infrastructure and the cost of the vehicles. Nevertheless, the T680 FCEV and the Accelerate to Zero program are positive signs that the transportation sector is moving towards a sustainable future.
