Kenworth fuel cell interest 'amazing' as hydrogen combustion also gains ground

Note: This article has been updated to include Kenworth's anticipated fuel cell T680 FCEV launch in 2025.

As Kenworth’s fuel cell trucks get closer to ending their tenure at a zero emission port program in California, the truck manufacturer painted a bright future for hydrogen that includes station expansion and controversial internal combustion.

During a press conference Friday at Kenworth’s headquarters in Kirkland, Washington executives first talked about Kenworth’s all-electric trucks (three models are available) before shifing to their T680 fuel cell prototype, ten of which have been working at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles following a partnership with Toyota and Shell under the Shore-to-Store project.

The T680s feature fuel cell stacks from Toyota Mirai passenger cars while hydrogen comes courtesy of Shell, a strong player in alternative fuels.

Kenworth Chief Engineer Joe Adams told reporters that Kenworth’s role in the government-funded program is “just now wrapping up” and provided “the opportunity over the last two years to drive the trucks, to go down and ride with drivers in the trucks” and to experience hydrogen fueling.

Hydrogen tank technology continues to improve and pave the way for liquified hydrogen which offers additional range. While it may one day fuel a T680 FECV, Kenworth General Sales manager Stephan Olsen said liquified hydrogen's requirement for Commercial Carrier Journal“They're usually doing short haul drayage, the kind of runs where they're taking freight out of the port and moving it into a different location,” Adams said. “The ports are really interested in this type of technology because they want to eliminate particulates in emissions in and around the community that they're operating in.