While the K220 is bound to be the most popular attraction for PACCAR next week, its two newest entries into the zero emissions world should also draw a crowd at the Brisbane Truck Show from May 18-21.
Brisbane will be the first public appearance of PACCAR’s heavy-duty hydrogen and battery electric models, the Kenworth T680 and DAF LF, respectively.
The T680 is equipped with a 630hp electric motor with 60kg of hydrogen gas stored at 10,000psi, enough energy to the fuel cell for a range of 480km, with a mere 15-minute refuelling time.
At the lighter end of the spectrum, the 19-tonner DAF LF offers an ideal zero emissions distribution truck. It has a 260kW electric motor powered by a 282kW battery pack.
The result, says PACCAR, is outstanding performance, and a range of up to 280km.
More will be revealed about how each of these electric vehicles will be rolled out in Australia at the show, but earlier this month PACCAR and EV partner Toyota announced an expansion of their joint efforts to produce hydrogen fuel cell Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks.
The expanded agreement supports ongoing development and commercialised zero-emission versions of the Kenworth T680 and Peterbilt 579 models featuring Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain kit, with initial customer deliveries planned for 2024.
PACCAR and Toyota have collaborated on fuel cell electric truck development for the past several years, including a successful pilot program which deployed 10 Kenworth T680 trucks at the Port of Los Angeles.
The pilot provided both Kenworth and Toyota with real-world feedback that further enhanced the performance and range of the vehicle. Designed for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, Toyota’s heavy-duty fuel cell electric powertrain kit was recently awarded the Zero Emission Powertrain certification by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Toyota will begin assembly of the modules in the US in late 2023.
Main attraction
WHILE the anniversary Legend SAR on display in 2021 stepped back in time to pay homage to an icon, the future of Kenworth trucks can be found in the recently released Kenworth K220, said PACCAR.
The K220 is the brand’s most technologically advanced truck and will sit front and centre of its popular stand at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show.
The truck is also one of four finalists for the inaugural Truck of the Year Australasia prize, with the winner to be crowned at the show.
The most noticeable change to its predecessor, the K200, is the operating environment. Stepping inside the K220 cab, you’ll find a more modern interior fitted with a 15-inch high-definition display as well as a new eight-inch audio-visual navigation unit that has smartphone integration. However, it still feels and looks like a Kenworth inside.
PACCAR Australia has also updated the automatic transmission, with the new K220 swapping out its previous Eaton Ultrashift for the new Eaton 18-speed Endurant XD Pro automated transmission. An 18-speed Road Ranger box is still available.
Safety-wise, the company says the K220 has the largest range of active and passive safety options ever offered by Kenworth Australia and includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, side object detection and collision mitigation.
Early adopter Mark Tobin, chief executive at Followmont Transport, has been impressed with what he’s found in the new model and already has plans to buy more.
“The K220s are universal, they can just handle anything you throw at them,” Tobin said.
“When we purchase fleet, we really look for trucks that are durable as we want to get the most out of our equip- ment, and the K220s really stand up.
“Their durability makes them the best on market and the trucks speak for them- selves. I just love this prod- uct.”
Tobin added that a key factor for Followmont is driver satisfaction with any of the trucks they buy.
“Our team love these vehicles and the comfort they provide,” he said.
“The sleeper is spacious and a big drawcard for our drivers.
“Everyone you speak to wants to look at the K220, it’s becoming Followmont’s newest tourist attraction.”