Kenworth recently launched a comprehensive EV technician training and certification program. The program is part of its efforts to prepare Kenworth dealerships to service electric vehicles in the US and Canada.
“It’s vitally important to support Kenworth’s ‘Driving To Zero Emissions™’ endeavor to bring battery electric vehicles into the marketplace by ensuring that we help provide in-depth training and a certification path for service technicians at Kenworth dealerships,” says Jim Walenczak, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing.
To attain initial EV certification, Kenworth technicians must successfully complete a seven-course curriculum. The curriculum includes service systems as well as electrical principles, electrical systems, electrical systems II, cab and chassis electronics, electric vehicles systems, and advanced electric diagnostics. Course length runs from two to four days. Further, the Kenworth program offers a variety of classroom and virtual training.
KENWORTH ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Kenworth’s Driving To Zero Emissions™ lineup includes Class 6-8 battery electric trucks: the Kenworth K270E, K370E, and T680E.
The T680E is available as a day cab as either a tractor or straight truck in a 6×4 axle configuration. Kenworth designed it for pickup and delivery, regional haul, and drayage applications. The model is offered in an 82,000-lb gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Kenworth equipped the T680E with 536 hp continuous power and up to 670 hp peak power; it has 1,623 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 70 mph. Additionally, the zero-emissions vehicle has an estimated operating range of 150 miles, depending on application. The T680E uses the industry standard SAE CCS1 charge port and can fully charge in approximately three hours. Kenworth’s Class 8 battery electric vehicle features Meritor’s Blue Horizon 14Xe™ tandem electric powertrain with smooth shifting and operation.
The K270E and K370E battery electric vehicles offer direct-drive motors rated at 355 hp (K270E) and 469 hp (K370E). The powertrain is available with battery packs of 141kWh and 282kWh that deliver up to 100 and 200-mile range, respectively.
Both models use a DC fast-charging system that can charge in as quickly as one hour. This makes the Kenworth K270E and K370E cabovers ideal for local pickup and delivery, as well as short, regional-haul operations. End-of-shift and overnight AC charging is also offered.
Additionally, the hydrogen-powered Kenworth T680 fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) is part of a demonstration test project in Southern California.
Built on proven platforms with superior visibility, reliability, maneuverability, and driver comfort, the T680E Class 8, K270E, and K370E medium-duty models combine state-of-the-art zero emission powertrains with comprehensive PACCAR charging solutions and infrastructure support, so you can drive to zero emissions with confidence.
Find out more, visit www.kenworth.com.
