Kenworth Debuts New Medium-Duty EV Trucks

Kirkland, Washington- Kenworth Truck Company., a commercial vehicle manufacturer, has launched its first conventional medium-duty battery-electric trucks the T280E, T380E, and T480E expanding its Class 6–8 zero-emission lineup for applications such as pickup and delivery, utility, regional haul, and vocational work. The new BEVs are available to order through Kenworth dealers in the U.S. and Canada, with production scheduled to begin in 2026. Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing, said the new lineup is designed to help fleets transition to zero-emission transport while maintaining the performance and reliability customers expect from Kenworth.

All three models use PACCAR’s integrated ePowertrain, offering multiple eMotor ratings from 170 kW to 350 kW (up to 605 hp peak) and peak torque options of 1,100 or 1,850 lb-ft, allowing trucks to be specified for lighter urban routes or higher-demand vocational duties. Battery options include 250 kWh (up to 200 miles range) and 375 kWh (up to 280 miles range), with DC fast charging supported up to 350 kW and the ability to recharge in about one hour depending on configuration and charger type.

The T280E is a Class 6 model rated at 26,000 lb GVWR (U.S. non-CDL) with a two-string battery and up to 270 kW output, aimed at city pickup-and-delivery routes. The T380E is offered as a truck or tractor for 33,000–50,000 lb GCWR, with two or three battery strings and up to 280 miles range, suited for regional distribution, utility and light vocational roles. The T480E, also available as truck or tractor, targets heavier work with 66,000–82,000 lb GCWR, offering up to 200 miles range for drayage, utility and select vocational applications.

Kenworth says its central-drive eMotor improves wheelbase flexibility and supports lift-axle and vocational-friendly integrations. Factory options include high-voltage ePTO ports to power equipment or body configurations with upfitters. Inside, the trucks carry over familiar Kenworth technology such as the SmartWheel and a 15-inch digital display, along with vocational features like RAM mounts and factory PTO switches, while blue accents and hydrographics visually distinguish the new zero-emission models.

You must be logged in to respond.