PACCAR, a multinational company that designs and manufactures large commercial trucks based in Washington, will produce and deliver hydrogen-powered trucks to Canada and the U.S. as early as 2024. Powering these trucks will be Toyota’s next-generation hydrogen fuel cell modules. The expanded agreement will facilitate the development and selling of zero-emission versions of Kenworth T680 and Peterbilt 579 models using Toyota's hydrogen fuel cell powertrain kit. These Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) trucks will be commercially available by 2024.
PACCAR and Toyota have cooperated in developing FCEV trucks in the past, their combined efforts included a successful pilot program using ten Kenworth T680 FCEV trucks at the Port of Los Angeles. The pilot program provided the two partner companies with enough real-world data that were vital in enhancing the FCEV truck’s range and performance.
On top of that, Toyota's heavy-duty fuel cell electric powertrain kit, intended for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, was awarded the Zero Emission Powertrain certification by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). In late 2023, Toyota will commence manufacturing the modules in the United States. In terms of performance, the Kenworth T680 trucks equipped with Toyota’s hydrogen powertrain have a range of up to 725 km depending on conditions. Delivering power to the FCEV’s wheels is Toyota's 310 kW dual motor assembly, providing 415 hp capable of sustaining a gross combination weight rating of 37,194 kg.
“We are excited to work with PACCAR to realize a future where Toyota’s industry-leading hydrogen fuel cell technology can power heavy-duty trucks that will travel across highways throughout the U.S. with zero emissions, this innovative technology enables us to provide our commercial customers with a viable carbon-neutral option to further their business, while also contributing to Toyota’s mission to reduce and ultimately eliminate carbon from the environment.”
Speaking on their collaboration with Toyota, John Rich, PACCAR's CTO, expressed confidence, stating that the partnership would produce industry-leading FCEV trucks with the expected quality, reliability, and aftermarket support for Kenworth and Peterbilt customers. As an added bonus, the partnership also expands PACCAR's lineup of zero-emissions vehicles, which boosts customers' operational efficiency and reduces their environmental footprint.
