Kenworth program to help customers fund BEV purchases

Kenworth has developed an initiative to help customers find and secure funding toward the purchase of its battery-electric vehicles (BEV)—T680E, K270E, and K370E—as well as supporting charging equipment.

With the support of the Kenworth Electrification team, private and public fleets across a wide range of industries—drayage operations, municipal services, local pickup and delivery, and more—can create a package that works for them, including the right vehicle, charging equipment, and infrastructure, Kenworth stated in a press release.

The team participates in workgroups and seminars with agencies responsible for the various grant programs. Agencies often issue a call for commentary and host workshops to enable OEMs, environmental groups—and sometimes customers—voice their opinions and help guide the agency toward a new framework more beneficial for grantees.

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Kenworth’s initiative tracks more than 75 federal, state, county and municipal grant and incentive programs in the U.S. and Canada, each with varying requirements, eligibility, funding awards, and timelines. 

According to Jim Walenczak, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing, the Kenworth Electrification team fills the “voice for the customer” role during these workshops and open commentary periods, and paves the way for fleets and truck operators to obtain access to available funds. 

Walenczak added that Kenworth has thus far helped its customers secure $10 million in vehicle and EV supply equipment funding with an additional $1.5 million pending final decisions by various agencies.

See gallery: Zero-emission Kenworth K270E, K370E BEVs available for order

“Through this process, we’ve learned that no two grants are alike, and that by partnering with our customers, we can help simplify the grant and funding process,” said Hank Johnson, Kenworth general sales manager. “Our team is identifying grants as they become available, as well as assisting customers with the funding requirements and applications. The team also will work with customers during the full lifecycle of their BEV fleet to collect and sell Low Carbon Fuel Standard credits and generate new revenue.”

Beyond vehicle incentives, Johnson noted that Kenworth is alerting dealers and customers about infrastructure funding and incentives in their local market to help speed up this important component of BEV sales growth.