Kenworth and Peterbilt are expanding their respective electric truck offerings. Both OEMs are introducing new medium- and heavy-duty electric truck models.

Both said the new EVs are built on proven platforms with zero tailpipe emissions and are supported by the latest safety technologies.

Central to the newest EVs from Kenworth and Peterbilt is the Paccar ePowertrain, which is also leveraged in the 579EV and 567EV. This advanced electric vehicle architecture can be adapted to a variety of models and applications. 

Paccar’s central drive eMotor allows for wheelbase flexibility, lift axle installations, and vocational-friendly BEV integrations.

Peterbilt's EV Work Trucks

Peterbilt’s new Models 536EV and 537EV are engineered for regional delivery as well as service and utility trucks. 

Its new Class 8 Model 548EV supports 4x2 tractors for regional applications and vocational configurations with PTOs, such as dump trucks. In addition, Peterbilt now offers EV versions of its Model 536 (Class 6) and Model 537 (Class 7).

All of the new models feature Peterbilt’s distinctive exterior EV accents, including a blue accented crown and grille, as well as EV-exclusive panels on the side of the hood. 

The interior design features laser-etched trim panels on the EV-exclusive Magneto Gray interior. 

Enhanced performance features on the new Peterbilt models include:

• Two distinct battery capacity options with a maximum range of 280 miles

• Rapid 350kW DC charging enables 80 percent charge in just over 80 minutes

• Furnished-by-owner ePTO options rated at 25kW (two-battery option) or 150kW (three-battery option)

• Standard Bendix Fusion Stop & Auto-Go Advanced with pedestrian detection and high beam assist

• Configurable PTO controls and switches

• Industry standard body lighting connections

• Customizable frame layout options

• Excellent ergonomics, LED lighting and driver comfort

Charging Infrastructure and Battery-Electric Vehicle Deployment

In addition to its full lineup of electric vehicles, Peterbilt is an EV deployment partner and has partnerships in place with industry-leading providers of charging infrastructure services. 

Key offerings include:

• A complete lineup of chargers available at Peterbilt dealers through Paccar Parts; options include both AC and DC chargers with up to 400kW capacity

• Charging infrastructure planning and installation services through QMerit and Schneider Electric

Kenworth's Expanded Zero-Emission Lineup

Kenworth launched its first conventional medium-duty battery-electric trucks: the T280E, T380E, and T480E. 

These new Class 6-8 BEV models provide fleets with versatile, zero-emission solutions designed for a wide variety of applications, according to the company, including pickup and delivery, utility, regional haul, and vocational applications. 

The Kenworth T480E is a Class 8, 66,000-82,000 GCWR, available as a truck or tractor with two or three-string battery options and eMotor ratings up to 350kW and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque. The T480E offers up to 200 miles of range and is versatile for heavier pickup and delivery applications, drayage, utility, and select vocational applications.

Kenworth also has added the Clss 7/8 T380E, 33,000-50,000 GCWR.The T380E is available as a truck or tractor with two or three-string battery options and eMotor ratings up to 350kW and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque. With up to 280 miles of range, the T380E is suited for pickup and delivery, regional haul, utility, and light vocational applications.

In addition a Class 6 Kenworth T280E, 26,000 GVWR, is ideal for pickup and delivery, as well as urban routes, according to the OE.

Flexible Vehicle Platforms

Kenworth’s all-new medium-duty BEVs are powered by Paccar’s fully integrated ePowertrain platform. It offers multiple eMotor ratings from 170kW (230 hp continuous, 335 hp peak) up to 350kW (470 hp continuous, 605 hp peak), with peak torque ratings of 1,100 or 1,850 lb.-ft. 

This flexible platform allows customers to spec trucks for local delivery routes, regional distribution, or vocational applications that require higher power. 

Battery configurations include two battery string options, which offer 250 kWh (up to 200 miles) and 375 kWh of energy storage (up to 280 miles), with the ability to charge in one hour, depending on battery string and charger type. 

All models feature DC fast charging capability with peak charging rates up to 350 kW, supported by PACCAR Parts’ full suite of charging solutions. 

Additionally, the T280E, T380E, and T480E feature factory-installed options for high-voltage ePTO ports, which can be utilized to power equipment, a mechanical ePTO, or body configurations in conjunction with aftermarket body upfitters.

Driver-Focused Technology

Kenworth said its medium-duty BEVs leverage the features of its combustion counterparts. 

Inside the cab, the latest in driver-focused technology includes the Kenworth SmartWheel and a 15” Digital Display. Dash and vocational features like RAM Mounts and factory-installed PTO switches are available. 

Throughout the exterior and interior of Kenworth’s new medium-duty BEVs, blue hydrographics and Kenworth bugs are featured to symbolize the advanced zero-emission technology. 

Kenworth’s latest BEV offerings are now available for order from Kenworth dealers in the U.S. and Canada, with production scheduled to begin in 2026. 

Paccar ePowertrain

The new battery-electric trucks from Kenworth and Peterbilt feature the Paccar ePowertrain. Key features iinclude:

• EV-specific 15-inch digital driver display with key performance and charging data

• SmartLINQ integration indicating energy usage, location and range

• Configurable powertrain and cabin preconditioning

• Configurable charge start times to take advantage of lower electricity rates

• Electronic Park Brake (EPB) system with rollaway mitigation

• Paccar ePowertrain

• Midship-mounted eMotor with dual electric motors and integrated three-speed transmission to deliver

• seamless shifting with no torque interruption

• Multiple power options optimize different applications and performance needs up to 605

• horsepower and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque

• Proven and reliable lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP) chemistry

• Selectable three-stage regenerative braking

• Flexible architecture allowing for integration with existing suspensions

• Supports 4x2 and 6x4 configurations and any wheelbase of 163 inches or longer, as well as applications up to 82,000 lbs. gross combined weight