Prototype Kenworth T680 FCEVs enter service

Hydrogen fuel cells could provide a practical method to electrify heavy-duty trucks. Compared to a battery-electric solution, they promise better range (given current technologies), payload is less affected (because there’s no need to carry a huge battery pack), and recharging downtime isn’t an issue (if a decent hydrogen refuelling infrastructure exists).

Kenworth is the latest manufacturer to explore this approach. In collaboration with Toyota, it has built a fleet of pre-production prototype Class 8 three-axle tractor units based on the T680. Featuring the same fuel cells that are found in the latest Mirai, their intended use is short-distance haulage in and around the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles in California.

Kenworth T680 FCEV Pre-Production Prototype (2020) Front Side 1

With a gross vehicle weight of 36.3 tonnes (80,000 lbs), they’re each capable of travelling for over 300 miles (approximately 480 kilometres) while fully loaded.

Obvious visual differences versus a regular T680 include the absence of any exhaust pipes and the addition of a box behind the day cab. Despite resembling a sleeper, the latter actually houses the vehicle’s six hydrogen tanks.

Kenworth T680 FCEV Pre-Production Prototype (2020) Front Side 2

The T680 FCEV shouldn’t be confused with Kenworth’s new plug-in battery-electric T680E, though. Available to order now, the ‘E’ is a Class 8 model which combines a GVW of either 24.5 tonnes (54,000 lbs) or 37.2 tonnes (82,000 lbs) with 396 kWh of energy storage. To illustrate the point made above, its range on a single charge is rather mediocre at around 150 miles (roughly 240 kilometres).

Related posts:
A Hino Profia fuel cell truck is in development
Second-generation Mirai FCEV previewed

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