Kenworth Truck Company has announced a delay in the production of its hydrogen fuel cell electric T680 tractors, originally slated for this year. The delay stems from gaps in hydrogen refueling infrastructure across the North American market, with no new production timeline set as of now.
Kenworth’s Chief Engineer, Joe Adams, explained that the company is waiting for adequate refueling infrastructure in the U.S. to ensure the tractors are both functional and profitable. The company remains committed to ensuring the viability of its hydrogen-powered vehicles before launching them into the market.
Nearly two years ago, Kenworth, a subsidiary of Paccar, revealed plans to equip its hydrogen fuel cell trucks with Toyota’s next-generation hydrogen fuel cell modules. The original plan included delivering the first units to customers as early as last year, with pre-orders already being accepted.
This delay comes despite the fact that Kenworth already offers a battery-electric version of the T680. In 2022, the company deployed ten Kenworth T680 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) at the Port of Los Angeles as part of a pilot program designed to improve the vehicles’ performance and range.
The Kenworth T680 is designed to have a range of up to 450 miles (724 kilometers) and is powered by Toyota’s 310 kW Dual Motor Assembly, delivering 415 horsepower with a maximum payload equivalent to 37 tonnes.
In parallel, Paccar’s other brand, Peterbilt, was also set to begin production of its hydrogen-powered 579 model this year, using the same Toyota fuel-cell technology. However, Peterbilt, like Kenworth, has stated it will only begin production when sufficient infrastructure is available across the country.