All-electric Kenworth T680E delivers a smooth, powerful ride

After driving the all-electric Kenworth T680E, something Kenworth’s director of marketing communications Jamin Swazo said earlier that day at the company’s headquarters in Kirkland, Washington, came to mind regarding first impressions of the zero-emission truck.  

“You see their faces when they get out and they’re like, ‘It’s pretty cool,” Swazo said.

Yes it is. The Kenworth T680E is the smoothest and the most powerful truck I’ve driven yet. Of course, it’s no secret that internal combustion can’t compete with the quiet acceleration of all-electric, nor the confidence-inducing instant torque that Kenworth reports can get the T680E rolling from a deadstart up a 25% grade.  

Let’s check out some numbers…

Under the hood of the all-electric Kenworth T680E.
Commercial Carrier JournalThe T680E maxes out at 670 hp, while the conventional T680 equipped with a Paccar MX-13 12.9-liter diesel delivers up to 510 horses. The diesel-powered T680 does crank up to 1,850 lb.-ft. torque at the wheels while the all-electric version maxes out at 1,632 lb.-ft.

[Related: Kenworth exploring 'safer, cheaper' wireless charging for T680E]