While the federal government considers changes to perhaps loosen its upcoming emissions regulations for model-year 2027 heavy-duty engines and vehicles, Paccar is trudging forward with the rollout of new medium-duty electric trucks for its Kenworth and Peterbilt brands.
Peterbilt earlier this year launched its Model 567EV. Similarly, Kenworth debuted its Kenworth T880E. Each truck was its respective brand's first vocational EV.
On Tuesday, Peterbilt expanded its medium-duty EV offerings with Models 536EV, 537EV and 548EV. The new 536EV and 537EV are engineered for regional delivery as well as service and utility trucks, while the new Class 8 548EV supports 4x2 tractors and vocational configurations with PTOs, such as dump trucks.
Comparable Kenworth models, also unveiled Tuesday, are the T280E, T380E, and T480E. The T280E offers up to 200 miles of range, making it ideal for pickup and delivery, as well as urban routes. With up to 280 miles of range, the T380E is suited for pickup and delivery, regional haul, utility, and light vocational applications. Finally, the T480E offers up to 200 miles of range and is versatile for heavier pickup and delivery applications, drayage, utility, and select vocational applications.
[Related: Kenworth expands zero-emissions lineup with T680E and T880E]
All three feature factory-installed options for high-voltage ePTO ports, which can be utilized to power equipment, a mechanical ePTO, or body configurations in conjunction with aftermarket body upfitters.
The trucks from both brands feature Paccar's ePowertrain: a midship-mounted, under-the-cab eMotor with dual electric motors and an integrated three-speed transmission to deliver seamless shifting with no torque interruption.
Multiple power options are available for different applications and performance needs, up to 605 horsepower and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque. Rapid 350kW DC charging enables an 80% charge of the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in just more than 80 minutes. Charging is supplemented by a selectable three-stage regenerative braking system. Two distinct battery capacity options are available with a maximum range of 280 miles.
Flexible architecture allows for integration with existing suspensions, and the ePowertrain supports 4x2 and 6x4 configurations, any wheelbase of 163 inches or longer, as well as applications up to 82,000 lbs. gross combined weight.
[Related: Peterbilt launching first vocational BEV, the Model 567EV]
