Kenworth delivers first — and last — natural gas-electric hybrid trucks

Kenworth is taking orders for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission battery-electric trucks for delivery later this year.

Plenty to learn

But there is plenty to learn from the hybrid trucks, he said.

“There is still lots of value in doing the program,” Lindgren said. Drivers can decide when to run on near-silent electric mode and when to switch to natural gas. As more cities and ports ban emissions, driving on electric power in so-called attainment zones becomes imperative.

“You get in line at the port and go to zero-emissions mode while waiting. Then you drive through the port and onto the highway where you kick in the natural gas engine,” Lindgren said.

That is what startup Hyliion Holdings (NYSE: HYLN) is counting on as it begins customer trials later this year with its natural gas generator-powered electric Hypertruck ERX. Hyliion expects to be able to travel 25 or more miles on electricity created from the generator.

The Kenworth hybrid-electric vehicles use the Cummins Westport L9N Near Zero emission engine fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG). Lithium-ion batteries supplement power from the generator when climbing grades.

The hybrid gets 23% better fuel economy and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 18%, according to recent tests comparing it to a conventional natural gas powertrain, Kenworth said.  

“We thought at the time we drove into this project that it would be an interim step,” Lindgren said. “California has transitioned already. And 15 states and the District of Columbia have said they might follow.”

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Kenworth begins taking orders for Class 8 electric truck

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