Electrification and alternative fuels figure prominently in most of the news coming from major automakers right now, including in light- and medium-duty trucks. And the heavy-duty truck manufacturing landscape is no exception either. All truck segments are now seeing major alternative fuel development projects and commercialization of electric drives, all the way from pickups to Class 8 heavy trucks.
In May of this year, Kenworth announced its dealers would begin accepting deposits for future deliveries of a Class 8 hydrogen-powered T680 truck tractor, which the company expects to begin delivering to customers in 2024. The fuel cell electric truck is the result of an engineering collaboration between Paccar’s Kenworth brand and Toyota. This zero-emissions model uses a Toyota fuel cell for power and has a published range of 450 miles (725 kilometres), depending, of course, on conditions.
“The T680 FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicle) 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 refuelling, this broadens our zero-emission product offering to include round-the-clock operations in regional haul and demonstrates FCEV potential for long haul.”
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CNH plans for “more than 15 new tractor launches, 10 combine launches, 19 crop production launches and over 30 precision technology releases between now and the end of 2027.”
While 450 miles is significant, it doesn’t really match the typical range of a current long-haul diesel truck’s onboard fuel capacity. But it is a reasonable distance for many trucking applications.
Last year, Kenworth and Toyota completed a joint pilot program at the Port of Los Angeles, where Kenworth customers operated 10 prototype T680 FCEVs in a real-world setting. The company says the program’s success laid the foundation for Kenworth and Toyota engineers to develop the production version of the T680 FCEV.
“Toyota is excited to take the next step in this joint effort with Kenworth to provide a zero-emission powertrain kit to its customers,” said Matt Stich, general manager of Fuel Cell Solutions, Toyota Motor North America. “This proven hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric technology will allow commercial customers to help reduce carbon and operate more sustainably.”
The T680 FCEV is equipped with a 310 kW dual motor assembly, capable of providing 415 horsepower continuously at a maximum combined payload of 82,000 pounds (37,200 kilograms). It carries a total of 58.8 kilograms of hydrogen in the tall compartment behind the cab, where a sleeper compartment would normally be. It also has battery storage with a capacity of 200 kWh mounted under the cab.
The company is already producing battery-powered electric class 6, 7 and 8 trucks, but this one will be the first to use hydrogen as a source for electricity. One advantage of hydrogen over battery electric is the quick refuelling time it offers compared with the time it takes to recharge a battery pack.
Hydrogen and methane fuels are starting to be discussed in ag equipment too. Only time will tell how widespread they become as major fuel sources.
