Kenworth recently delivered two prototype Kenworth T680 tractors equipped with a series hybrid-electric propulsion system to Total Transportation Systems Inc. (TTSI) in Southern California. TTSI is a drayage, warehouse and transportation company based in Rancho Dominguez, Calif.
The two T680 day cab tractors are Kenworth’s second-generation, range-extended electric trucks. They are able to run in zero emissions mode on batteries for 30 miles, and recharge those batteries while driving using a generator powered by a near-zero emissions natural gas engine, Kenworth says. The trucks were built under a project funded by California Climate Investments and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), and administered through the California Air Resources Board and South Coast Air Quality Management District.
The two Kenworth T680 hybrid-electric vehicles use the Cummins Westport L9N Near Zero (NZ) emission engine fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG) driving a generator to extend the truck’s battery range. The truck uses lithium-ion batteries to achieve its zero emissions range and to supplement power from the generator when climbing grades, Kenworth says.
The system’s energy management and control capabilities ensure that energy generated by the engine and regenerative braking system is appropriately applied through the electric motor, resulting in lower fuel consumption, Kenworth says. The company says recent tests comparing the range extended electric truck to a truck using a conventional natural gas powertrain showed a 23% improvement in fuel economy and an 18% reduction in CO2 emissions.
