Paccar and Toyota are expanding their joint efforts to develop and produce zero-emissions, hydrogen fuel cell Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks powered by Toyota’s next-generation hydrogen fuel cell modules.

The expanded agreement supports ongoing development and commercialized zero-emission versions of the Kenworth T680 and Peterbilt 579 models featuring Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain kit.

Paccar and Toyota have collaborated on FCEV truck development for the past several years, including a successful pilot program that deployed 10 Kenworth T680 FCEV trucks at the Port of Los Angeles. The pilot provided Kenworth and Toyota with real-world feedback that further enhanced the performance and range of the vehicle.

Designed for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, Toyota's heavy-duty fuel cell electric powertrain kit was recently awarded the Zero Emission Powertrain certification by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Toyota will begin assembly of the modules in the United States in late 2023, with trucks becoming available in 2024 and 2025.

Kenworth T680 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Commercialization Plans 

Kenworth is now accepting deposits for its first zero-emissions Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell truck. At the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Anaheim, California, May 2, the company announced it will begin production of its T680 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle powered by Toyota fuel cell technology.

Initial customer deliveries are planned for 2024 with serial production planned in 2025. Kenworth dealers in the United States and Canada are now accepting deposits for the first of these T680 FCEV builds.

Kenworth and Toyota collaborated closely on developing the T680 FCEV. Kenworth integrated Toyota’s latest advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology into its flagship T680 on-highway truck. The T680 FCEV has a range of up to 450 miles, depending upon driving conditions.

“The T680 FCEV was engineered to offer one of the longest driving ranges of any zero emissions trucks on the market,” said Kevin Baney, Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice president. “With quick refueling, this broadens our zero-emission product offering to include round-the-clock operations in regional haul and demonstrates FCEV potential for long haul.” 

The truck is equipped with Toyota’s 310kW Dual Motor Assembly, capable of providing 415 horsepower continuously at a maximum payload of 82,000 lbs (GCWR), and the Toyota Gen 2 Dual Fuel Cell Module. 

To learn more about the Kenworth T680 FCEV, visit www.Kenworth.com/trucks/t680-fcev/.

Peterbilt Announces Commercialization Plans For Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

Peterbilt also announced the addition of hydrogen fuel cell technology for its heavy-duty truck line-up at ACT Expo, saying the FCEV zero-emissions vehicles will be available in 2025.

“Peterbilt is quickly leveraging the lessons learned by Paccar on earlier hydrogen fuel cell projects to broaden our zero emissions powertrain solutions available to our customers,” said Jason Skoog, Paccar vice president and Peterbilt general manager. “Hydrogen fuel cell technology is a key component of a portfolio of Peterbilt zero-emissions vehicles that also includes our advanced battery-electric models. Our partnership with Toyota will deliver the most advanced fuel cell powertrain in the industry.”

Scott Newhouse, Peterbilt chief engineer, explained that hydrogen fuel cells are a great solution for longer-range applications.

“The fuel cell is designed to power the vehicle and recharge the batteries in the propulsion system, providing more range without additional battery weight. We are designing these advanced vehicles for optimal performance in longer-haul applications.”