Toyota to supply Kenworth with fuel cell powertrains

Toyota Motor North America has announced an agreement to use its fuel cell powertrains for larger trucks in Kenworth and Peterborough. Toyota and Paccar (owner of the Paccar, Kenworth and Peterbilt brands) announced the deal on May 2 at the ACT Expo clean transportation conference.

Toyota already uses the fuel cell technology the company developed for the low-capacity Mirai sedan in heavy-duty trucks. In its partnership with Paccar, Toyota has focused the system on the cab and chassis of Kenworth Class 8 trucks, including a demonstration project in Los Angeles and Long Beach, California.

As regulators in California and elsewhere begin phasing out diesel trucks, companies see a growing market for zero-emission fuel cell technology. For example, starting next year, California will require that 5 percent of new Class 7 and 8 truck sales be zero-emission vehicles. This proportion will rise to 40% by 2032. The trucking industry expects other U.S. states to follow California's lead in driving the market for zero-emission trucks.

Kenworth plans to use the powertrain for its T680 tractor-trailer, which is considered the workhorse of the trucking industry. The company expects to start delivering the T680 equipped with the fuel cell system to customers next year. Toyota plans to begin producing powertrains this year at a plant in Kentucky.

Kenworth said the hydrogen-powered T680 will have a cruising range of 450 miles, depending on driving conditions. The model will have 415 horsepower and a gross cargo weight of 82,000 pounds.