TOYOTA

Asian automotive giant is treating the iconic beaks of the USA

The cooperation between the two companies goes back several years. One of the first steps in this was when ten Kenworth T680 tractor units with hydrogen cells were put into service in a port in Los Angeles. The project was so successful that Toyota received the necessary certification from the California Environmental Protection Agency (CARB). Thanks to this, it becomes impossible for the Japanese company to start manufacturing the components necessary for the drive train of hydrogen-cell trucks in the United States this year.

According to the latest announcement, this also means that models with a zero-emission powertrain, such as the Kenworth T680, which is one of the iconic beaks of the USA, can now be produced in series production. The model’s predecessor, the T600, began to be produced in 1984, and the T680 appeared on the market in 2013. It is interesting that this type was originally offered with three types of engines – Paccar MX13, Cummins ISX-12 and ISX-15. After 10 years, the hydrogen-celled, electric-powered version of it may arrive.

In addition to the T680, the Peterbilt 579 could be in line. This type is certainly not unknown to fans of American beakers, as it was introduced in 2012 as the brand’s “flagship”. The first hydrogen cell versions of both models may be delivered in 2024. True, these will not be the highway versions with a large sleeping cabin, but as you can see in the picture above, they will only have a living room cabin.

It is interesting that, regardless of the cooperation with Toyota, both companies already have electric saddles in their offer. For Kenworth, the T680E, while for Peterbilt, the day cab version of the 579EV, the 220EV distribution truck, and the 520EV intended for communal tasks are available to operators open to electromobility.

Reporting: Aranyi Péter