Kenworth’s K270E Class 6 and K370E Class 7 battery-electric vehicles are now available for order from Kenworth dealers in both the U.S. and Canada.

The electric powertrain is available with battery packs of 141kWh and 282kWh, delivering up to a 100- and 200-mile range, respectively. Utilizing a DC fast-charging system, the trucks are capable of re-charging in as quick as one hour, making it ideal for short regional haul operations, according to the company.

“Kenworth is committed to provide advanced vehicle technologies, and the medium-duty K270E and K370E electric trucks are a major step forward,” said Kevin Baney, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president.

Kenworth battery-electric vehicles offer two direct-drive motors rated at 355 hp and 469 hp, providing enough torque to start the load from a stop on a 20% grade and the power to maintain 40 mph on a 6% grade while fully loaded. Regenerative braking in stop-and-go city conditions also recharges the batteries and extends brake life.

The system configuration also optimizes weight distribution with batteries mounted outside and air tanks mounted inside the frame rails. Available wheelbases offered are 206 inches (24-foot box bodies), 218 inches (26-foot box bodies) and 274 inches (30-foot box bodies).

Initial customer deliveries are expected to begin by the end of 2020.