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Print ArticleLouisville, KY: Kenworth has announced that it will begin full production of medium duty, diesel-electric hybrid trucks this summer.
Kenworth says it will be offering the fuel-efficient, hybrid option on its new T270 Class 6 and T370 Class 7 conventional models and will produce the trucks at the PACCAR plant in Ste-Therese, Que. Kenworth’s goal is to enhance fuel economy by up to 30 percent in pickup and delivery applications and up to 50 percent in utility operations.
“We’re excited to introduce the new Kenworth medium duty hybrids into production this summer as we help customers enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions,” says Gary Moore, Kenworth assistant general manager for marketing and sales. “There is tremendous interest in our Kenworth hybridsand excellent results have been reported by customers that were part of last year’s limited hybrid production.”
Moore noted that purchasers of Kenworth hybrids equipped with a PACCAR PX-6 engine and the Eaton hybrid system, may qualify for a maximum federal tax credit of $6,000 (Class 6) and $12,000 (Class 7).
The Kenworth hybrids use an integral transmission-mounted motor/generator; frame-mounted 340-volt, lithium-ion battery pack; and dedicated power management system. Advanced powertrain controls monitor driving conditions and automatically select the ideal power mode, smoothly switching among electric only, combined diesel and electric, and diesel only power modes.
The Kenworth T270 and T370 hybrids use a PACCAR PX-6 engine rated from 200 to 300 hp and 520 to 620 pounds/feet of torque and an Eaton six-speed UltraShift transmission.
For more information, visit: www.kenworth.com.