Kenworth has launched an EV technician training and certification program as part of its efforts to prepare Kenworth dealerships to service electric vehicles in the United States and Canada, the company announced in a press release.
To attain initial EV certification, Kenworth technicians must successfully complete a seven-course curriculum on service systems, 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. The Kenworth program offers a variety of classroom and virtual training.
About Kenworth’s electric truck lineup
Kenworth’s Driving To Zero Emissions product line features the T680E (Class 8), K370E (Class 7) and K270E (Class 6) battery electric vehicles. Designed for pickup and delivery, regional haul and drayage applications, the T680E is available as a day cab as either a tractor or straight truck in a 6×4 axle configuration. The model is offered in an 82,000 lb. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The T680E is equipped with 536 HP continuous power and up to 670 HP peak power and 1,623 lb.-ft. of torque and has a top speed of 70 MPH.
The truck has an estimated operating range of 150 miles, depending on application. The T680E uses the industry standard SAE CCS1 charge port and can be fully charged in approximately three hours. The T680E features Meritor’s Blue Horizon 14Xe tandem electric powertrain.
The K270E and K370E battery electric vehicles offer direct-drive motors rated at 355 HP for the K270E and 469 HP for the K370E. The electric powertrain is available with high-density battery packs of 141kWh and 282kWh that deliver up to 100- and 200-mile range, respectively. Both models utilize a DC fast-charging system capable of re-charge in as little as one hour. End-of-shift and overnight AC charging is also offered.
