Kenworth Launches Electric Trucks

 From InsideEvs:

[Kenworth is a US truck manufacturer]

They are now available for order in the U.S. and Canada with initial deliveries expected later this year.

Kenworth announced that its first two all-electric trucks, the Class 6 K270E (shown at 2020 CES) and Class 7 K370E are now available for orders in the U.S. and Canada.

The trucks, equipped with Dana tech, are offered with two battery options - 141 kWh or 282 kWh - for two ranges - 100 miles (160 km) or 200 miles (320 km).

For charging, the manufacturer envisioned DC fast charging (J1772 combo aka CCS Combo 1) in one hour or overnight AC charging.

There are also two electric motor options: 355 hp or 469 hp, so customers will be able to configure the right solution for their needs. According to the manufacturer, the trucks are able to start the load from a stop on a 20 percent grade and have the power to maintain 40 mph on a 6 percent grade while fully loaded.

Kenworth is a conventional truck manufacturer.  When a company like this starts selling electric trucks, you know that EVs are going mainstream.  An electric motor provides lots of torque, but the issue till now has been that batteries cost too much, making electric trucks too expensive.  The range of the Kenworth tucks is still a bit light, but for local deliveries)as opposed to interstate trucking) 160  or 320 km is enough.  They can if necessary be charged at fast chargers and overnight in the dépôt.