The Kenworth K270E battery electric vehicle – an initial result of that collaboration – was displayed at CES last week.
The zero-emissions Kenworth K270E is equipped with a Dana-designed e-Powertrain system that is fully integrated and upfitted to the Kenworth chassis. Configured as a direct drive system, the vehicle uses a Spicer Electrified e-propulsion system, and a standard Dana drive axle and driveshaft.
Dana also supplied the e-power system which generates, stores, and manages the energy for the vehicle and consists of electrified auxiliary systems, an on-board charger, and two battery packs. Dana-developed software and controls enable the diagnostics and telemetry of the complete system.
Kevin Baney, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president, said, “This is an important next step in our evolution of an electric powertrain. Dana is an industry leader in electrified modules and systems supported by in-house vehicle integration expertise. Kenworth plans to produce up to 100 medium duty cabover electric trucks in 2020.”
The electric powertrain will be available with range options between 100 and 200 miles. The high-energy density battery packs can be recharged in about an hour using the vehicle's DC fast-charging system, making both the Class 6 Kenworth K270E and Class 7 K370E cabovers ideal for local pickup and delivery, as well as short regional haul operations.
Mark Wallace, president of Commercial Vehicle Driveline Technologies for Dana, added, “As demand for clean, electric-powered vehicles continues to grow, we are pleased to collaborate with Kenworth by providing the design, integration, and upfit of the complete e-powertrain for the K270E electric truck.”
