Kenworth Truck Company and Toyota North America are collaborating to develop 10 zero-emission Kenworth T680s powered by Toyota hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrains.
This collaboration is part of a US$41m Zero and Near-Zero Emissions Freight Facilities (ZANZEFF) grant preliminarily awarded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), with the Port of Los Angeles as the prime applicant.
The grant monies are part of a larger US$82m program that will put fuel cell electric tractors, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, and zero emissions cargo handling equipment into operation in the ports and Los Angeles basin in 2020.
The Kenworth T680s will transport cargo across the Los Angeles basin and to inland cities – such as Ontario and San Bernardino thanks to the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain integration co-developed by Kenworth and Toyota.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Kenworth and Toyota to work together to both explore and drive the development of advanced zero emission technologies that will play a critical role in the commercial transportation of the future,” said Mike Dozier, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president.
“This is not just a science experiment; the goal is to make a difference in society. To remove pollution and improve the air quality in and around the Port of Los Angeles,” added Bob Carter, executive vice president, Toyota Motor North America.
Sophisticated power management systems apportion the electrical power from the fuel cells to the motors, batteries and other components, such as electrified power steering and brake air compressors. The Kenworth T680s will have a range of over 300 miles (480km) under normal drayage operating conditions.
The program will also fund foundational hydrogen fuel infrastructure, including two new fueling stations that, subject to a final investment decision by Equilon Enterprises, will be developed through Shell Oil Products US, to support the operation of the fuel cell electric trucks in Southern California.
