Kenworth has unveiled its new T880E, the company’s initial Class 8 vocational battery-electric truck targeted at the North American market.
Showcased at ACT Expo alongside the next-gen battery-electric T680E, the zero-emission Kenworth T880E is now ready for orders through Kenworth dealers in both Canada and the U.S., with expected deliveries commencing later this year.
“The Kenworth T880E represents a significant achievement in our history, introducing the first Class 8 battery-electric solution tailored for vocational uses,” stated Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s Assistant General Manager for Sales and Marketing.
Powered by PACCAR’s ePowertrain platform, the T880E features an integrated powertrain delivering continuous power ranging from 365 hp to 470 hp, with peak power reaching up to 605 hp and providing 1,850 foot-pounds of torque.
The T880E offers four battery-string options, allowing for a customizable range of 160 km to over 400 km, along with various wheelbase and vehicle configurations to suit diverse customer requirements. The largest battery setup includes 625 kWh of energy storage, delivering an impressive range exceeding 400 km and supporting up to 82,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR).
This electric truck includes a CCS1 DC charge port with a leading peak charge rate of 350 kW, enabling it to reach 90% charge in approximately two hours.
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Joe Adams, Kenworth’s Chief Engineer, noted that the centralized drive eMotor allows for versatile wheelbase configurations and lift axle setups, enhancing its suitability for vocational applications. Furthermore, the T880E offers factory-installed options for high and low-voltage ePTO ports, enabling the powering of equipment and various body configurations by aftermarket body upfitters.
The T880E incorporates features from its combustion engine sibling and is available in both setback and set-forward front axle designs, maintaining the same multi-piece hood construction as the T880. In the cab, it showcases advanced driver-centered technology, including the Kenworth SmartWheel and a new 38-cm DriverConnect digital touchscreen, along with mounting options for dash features and factory-installed PTO switches. Additionally, Kenworth’s ADAS packages are available, which include DigitalVision mirrors, Bendix Fusion, and Lane Assist.
