The zero-emission Kenworth K270E Class 6 and K370E Class 7 battery-electric vehicles are now available for order from Kenworth dealers in the United States and Canada. Kenworth and Dana Inc. are collaborating on the Kenworth K270E and K370E electric vehicles to bring in Dana’s electrified modules and systems supported by Kenworth’s in-house vehicle integration expertise.
According to Kenworth, the battery-electric vehicles offer two direct-drive motors rated at 355 hp and 469 hp, depending on your application and states that this highly efficient design provides enough torque to start the load from a stop on a 20 percent grade and the power to maintain 40 mph on a 6 percent grade while fully loaded. Regenerative braking in stop-and-go city conditions recharges the batteries and extends brake life.
“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. “Our popular and proven cabover platform now offers fully integrated, state-of-the-art electric powertrains combined with exceptional visibility and superior maneuverability.”
The electric powertrain is available with high-density battery packs of 141kWh and 282kWh that deliver up to 100 and 200-mile range, respectively, with zero emissions. According to Kenworth, the electric vehicles utilize a DC fast-charging system capable of fast re-charge in as quick as one-hour, which make the Kenworth K270E and K370E cabovers ideal for local pickup and delivery, as well as short regional haul operations. End-of-shift and overnight AC charging also is offered.
All of the components necessary to run the e-powertrain, as well as HVAC and e-PTO, are located in one, power cradle under the cab – the space typically occupied by a diesel engine while the system configuration also optimizes weight distribution with batteries mounted outside and air tanks mounted inside the frame rails. A quiet e-compressor maintains pressure in the air system.
