Kenworth adds new medium-duty battery-electric trucks

Kenworth has launched its first medium-duty battery-electric trucks: the T280E, T380E, and T480E. These trucks can be spec’d for local deliveries, regional distribution, or vocational applications.

“The launch of our new medium-duty battery-electric lineup demonstrates Kenworth’s dedication to helping customers transition to zero-emission transportation with practical, powerful, and flexible solutions,” said Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “The T280E, T380E, and T480E are engineered to deliver the performance and dependability our customers expect from Kenworth, while offering the benefits of reduced emissions and quiet operation.”

The three new trucks are powered by Paccar’s ePowertrain platform, which comes with multiple eMotor ratings from 170kW (230 hp continuous, 335 hp peak) up to 350kW (470 hp continuous, 605 hp peak), with peak torque ratings of 1,100 or 1,850 lb.-ft. Their battery configurations come in two string options, which offer 250 kWh (up to 200 miles) and 375 kWh of energy storage (up to 280 miles). Both can charge in about an hour, depending on the battery string and charger, but all vehicle models come with DC fast charging capabilities with peak charging rates up to 350 kW.

Plus, each truck can be customized with wheelbase flexibility, lift axle installations, and vocational-friendly BEV integrations. Each also comes factory-installed with options for high-voltage ePTO ports.

Meanwhile, each truck features driver-focused technology inside the cab like the Kenworth SmartWheel, which provides integrated controls, and a 15” Digital Display. Fleets can also choose to include vocational features such as RAM Mounts and factory-installed PTO switches.

Kenworth's new MD BEV models

The T280E is a Class 6 truck with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. It’s available with a two-string battery option and has eMotor ratings of up to 270kW and 1,100 lb.-ft. of torque. It also has a range of up to 200 miles.

The T380E is a Class 7 or 8 truck with a GCWR of 33-50,000 lbs., and is available as a truck or tractor. It comes with two or three-string battery options and features eMotor ratings up to 350kW and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque, as well as up to 280 miles of range.

The T480E is a Class 8 truck with a GCWR of 66-82,000 lbs. It is available as a truck or tractor with two or three-string battery options and eMotor ratings of up to 350kW and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque. It provides a range of up to 200 miles.

The Kenworth T280E, T380E, and T480E are all available from Kenworth dealers in the U.S. and Canada, with production scheduled to begin in 2026.