23 March 2007

Kenworth Truck Company, a division of PACCAR, introduced its new Kenworth T270 Class 6 hybrid-electric truck at the Mid-America Trucking Show. Peterbilt, also part of PACCAR, will begin offering its version of the medium-duty hybrid this year as well. (Earlier post.)

The Kenworth T270 Class 6 hybrid medium-duty truck is powered by a PACCAR 6.7-liter PX-6 engine and features a parallel hybrid system developed with Eaton Corporation, a frame-mounted 340-volt battery pack, and a dedicated power management system.

The goal for the T270 hybrid is to improve fuel economy by 30% in start-and-stop applications, such as utility trucks and pick-up and delivery. Below 30 mph, the powertrain uses a combination of diesel and electricity. Above 30 mph, the truck relies solely on the diesel engine.

For medium-duty applications, such as for utility work, the T270 hybrid can be spec’d with an electric power-take-off (PTO).

Kenworth will have limited production of the medium-duty hybrid trucks for municipal fleets and utility companies this year with full-scale production expected to follow in 2008.

 

For those unaware, this is a re-badged Cummins ISB. All the PACCAR powerplants are Cummins in a different wrapper.