Kenworth, Peterbilt Add to Battery-Electric Lineups
Paccar Units Launch 3 Class 8 Models Plus Medium-Duty Options
Key Takeaways:
- The Paccar subsidiaries began the overhaul in the spring, when Peterbilt and Kenworth unveiled one new model and revamped another.
- Production of the Kenworth models, plus the new Class 6 T280E, is expected to start in 2026.
- The Peterbilt Class 8 Model 548EV supports 4×2 tractors and vocational configurations with power takeoffs like dump trucks.
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and continue to build out their battery-electric tractor and truck portfolios, launching three new models each Dec. 9.
The Paccar subsidiaries began the overhaul in the spring, when each truck maker unveiled one new model and revamped another.
Kenworth launched two battery-electric models Dec. 9 with tractor configurations:
- The Class 8 T480E, which is available as a truck or tractor with a powertrain rating of up to 350 kilowatts and 1,850 pound-feet of torque. The T480E offers up to 200 miles of range.
- The Classes 7-8 T380E, which is available as a truck or tractor and offers a similar powertrain top end. The T380E offers up to 280 miles of range.
Production of the models, plus the new Class 6 T280E, is expected to start in 2026, Kirkland, Wash.-based Kenworth said. The order book opened Dec. 9.
Introducing Kenworth's all-new Medium Duty battery-electric lineup: T280E, T380E and T480E. Engineered to deliver the performance and versatility you'd expect from a Kenworth, featuring the PACCAR integrated ePowertrain zero emissions platform - continuing to provide a Truck and… — Kenworth Truck Co. (@KenworthTruckCo)
All three come with Bellevue, Wash.-based Paccar’s ePowertrain platform, which offers a 170 kW (230 horsepower continuous) to 350 kW (470 hp continuous) rating.
“Kenworth builds a truck and a powertrain for every job and is proud to expand our comprehensive range of battery-electric models across both vocational and on-highway markets,” said Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing.
“With the addition of the T280E, T380E and T480E, customers now have even more options to spec trucks that align with their business needs and sustainability goals,” he added.
Meet the all-new Peterbilt medium-duty EV lineup: Models 536EV, 537EV, and 548EV. Built on proven platforms with zero tailpipe emissions and equipped with the latest safety technologies, these trucks expand our commitment to zero-emissions solutions tailored to your needs. Drive… — Peterbilt Motors Co. (@PeterbiltMotors)
Kenworth’s existing battery-electric truck portfolio comprised the Class 8 T680E tractor, Class 8 T880E vocational tractor or truck, L770 refuse truck plus the Class 6 K270E and Class 7 K370E urban delivery trucks.
Kenworth launched a revamped version of the battery-electric configuration of its flagship T680 tractor at the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Anaheim, Calif.
The truck manufacturer also launched a battery-electric T880E, its first Class 8 battery-electric vocational truck.
The redesigned T680E is available as a day cab as either a tractor or straight truck in a 6×4 axle configuration.
The legacy T680E was launched in October 2020 and was Kenworth’s first Class 8 battery-electric truck.
Peterbilt Launches Class 8 548EV
Peterbilt on Dec. 9 expanded its battery-electric lineup by launching the 536EV, 537EV and 548EV.
The Class 8 Model 548EV supports 4×2 tractors and vocational configurations with power takeoffs like dump trucks.
“Optimized for the demands of the medium-duty segment, the next generation of Peterbilt electric vehicles deliver excellent efficiency, rapid charging and versatile configurations elevating customer productivity across a wide range of applications,” said Erik Johnson, Peterbilt assistant general manager for sales and marketing.
The 536EV and 537EV are aimed at the regional delivery as well as service and utility truck markets. Each has a range of 280 miles.
Peterbilt’s existing battery-electric truck portfolio comprised the Class 8 579EV semi, Class 8 567EV vocational straight truck and 520 EV refuse truck.
Denton, Texas-based Peterbilt launched the 579EV update and debuted the 567EV at ACT 2025, too.
The revamped 579EV is targeted at the drayage and regional on-highway markets, with three battery capacity options and a range of 200 miles.
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