Toyota to supply fuel cell powertrains to Kenworth

According to foreign media reports, Toyota Motor North America announced an agreement to use its fuel cell power system in Kenworth and Peterbilt large trucks. Toyota and Paccar, owner of the Kenworth and Peterbilt brands, announced the deal on May 2 at the ACT Expo clean transportation conference.

Toyota already uses fuel cell technology it developed for its low-volume Mirai sedan in heavy-duty trucks. In its partnership with Paccar, Toyota is focused on using the system in 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% of new Class 7 and Class 8 trucks sold be zero-emission vehicles. By 2032, this proportion will rise to 40%. The trucking industry expects other U.S. states to follow California's lead, boosting the market for zero-emission trucks.

Image source: Kenworth

Christopher Yang, vice president of Toyota Business Development Group, said in a statement: “This innovative technology allows us to provide commercial customers with viable carbon-neutral options to grow their businesses, while also providing Toyota with the opportunity to reduce and ultimately eliminate environmental pollution. Contribute to China’s carbon emissions mission.”

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

Kenworth said that the hydrogen-powered T680 will have a cruising range of 450 miles (about 724 kilometers), and the specific cruising capacity will depend on driving conditions. The model will have 415 horsepower and a total cargo capacity of 82,000 pounds (approximately 37,194 kilograms).