Peterbilt and Kenworth Expand Electric Vehicle Portfolios with All-New Medium Duty Trucks

On December 9, 2025, Kenworth and Peterbilt announced new medium duty battery-electric trucks. Both Peterbilt and Kenworth are premium truck brands owned by PACCAR (Pacific Car and Foundry Company), a major American truck manufacturer that also owns DAF Trucks and Leyland. PACCAR acquired Kenworth in 1946 and Peterbilt in 1958, and while they remain distinct brands with different styling, they share common chassis and technology, operating as sister companies with friendly rivalry.

Kenworth has expanded its zero-emission portfolio with the introduction of three new medium duty battery electric trucks—the T280E, T380E, and T480E—marking the company’s first conventional BEVs in the Class 6–8 range. These models are designed for pickup and delivery, regional haul, utility work, and a variety of vocational roles. Orders are now open through Kenworth dealers in the United States and Canada, with production beginning in 2026.

Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing, said the new lineup reflects the company’s commitment to practical and scalable electrification. He noted that the vehicles deliver the performance and reliability customers expect from Kenworth with the added advantages of zero emissions and quieter operation.

All three trucks operate on PACCAR’s fully integrated ePowertrain platform, offering eMotor ratings from 170kW up to 350kW with peak torque ratings of 1,100 or 1,850 lb.-ft. This platform supports a broad range of duty cycles, from urban deliveries to higher power vocational uses. Battery options include two configurations: a 250 kWh pack with up to 200 miles of range and a 375 kWh pack with up to 280 miles. DC fast charging at up to 350 kW enables one-hour charging depending on configuration.

The T280E is a Class 6 model rated at 26,000 pounds GVWR and suited to urban pickup and delivery. The T380E, available as a truck or tractor with GCWR ratings from 33,000 to 50,000 pounds, supports regional haul, utility operations, and light vocational applications. The Class 8 T480E, also offered as a truck or tractor and rated up to 82,000 pounds GCWR, is engineered for heavier delivery routes, drayage, and specialty vocational roles.

Haygood emphasized that PACCAR’s central drive eMotor provides wheelbase flexibility, compatibility with lift axles, and smooth integration with vocational bodies. High voltage ePTO ports are available for powering equipment or body systems. Inside the cab, drivers benefit from a 15 inch digital display, Kenworth SmartWheel controls, vocational switch packs, and the same ergonomics found in Kenworth’s diesel models. Blue hydrographics and Kenworth badging throughout the interior and exterior distinguish the new zero emission trucks.

Haygood said the expanded BEV lineup provides fleets with more pathways to meet operational needs and sustainability objectives. Additional information on incentives and specifications is available through Kenworth dealers and at kenworth.com.

Peterbilt Announces Three New Medium Duty EV Truck Models: the 536EV, 537EV and 548EV

Peterbilt announced the expansion of its electric vehicle lineup with the introduction of three new medium duty models: the 536EV, 537EV and 548EV.

These additions broaden the company’s zero emissions offerings and extend EV capability into more applications. Built on established Peterbilt platforms, the new models incorporate advanced safety features and produce zero tailpipe emissions.

“Optimized for the demands of the medium duty segment, the next generation of Peterbilt electric vehicles delivers excellent efficiency, rapid charging and versatile configurations that elevate customer productivity across a wide range of applications,” said Erik Johnson, assistant general manager of Sales and Marketing.

The 536EV and 537EV are designed for regional delivery, service, and utility operations. The Class 8 548EV supports 4×2 tractors and vocational bodies using PTOs, including dump truck applications. Exterior updates include a blue accented crown and grille and EV specific hood panels. The Magneto Gray interior features laser etched trim. Key performance attributes include two battery capacity options with up to 280 miles of range, 350kW DC fast charging that provides 80 percent charge in just over 80 minutes, furnished by owner ePTO choices rated at 25kW or 150kW, and the Bendix Fusion Stop and Auto Go suite with pedestrian detection and high beam assist.

The new models integrate purposeful design and technology such as the PACCAR ePowertrain, a 15 inch EV focused digital driver display, SmartLINQ energy monitoring, configurable preconditioning, scheduled charging, and an Electronic Park Brake with rollaway mitigation.

At the core of the lineup, the PACCAR ePowertrain delivers multiple power ratings up to 605 horsepower and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque, uses proven LFP battery chemistry, features selectable regenerative braking, supports 4×2 and 6×4 configurations, and accommodates wheelbases of 163 inches or more with applications up to 82,000 pounds gross combined weight.

“The all-new Models 536EV, 537EV and 548EV provide zero emissions technology with the versatility, efficiency and comfort customers expect from Peterbilt,” Johnson said.

Daniel Breton, President and CEO at Electric Mobility Canada, said: “These trucks will be assembled at the PACCAR Canada plant in Sainte-Thérèse, contributing to local manufacturing innovation and the creation of sustainable jobs.”

For more information, visit a Peterbilt dealer or the company website.

AC and DC chargers Available up to 400kW through PACCAR Parts

Peterbilt also supports customer deployment through charging infrastructure partnerships and offers AC and DC chargers up to 400kW through PACCAR Parts, along with installation services from QMerit and Schneider Electric.

Qmerit has become a leading provider of EV charging installation by offering a national network of certified, highly vetted contractors and turnkey project management. The company simplifies complex installation needs such as permitting, panel upgrades and utility coordination, making home, commercial and fleet charging easier to deploy. Automakers and charger manufacturers frequently partner with Qmerit to support new EV buyers and large-scale infrastructure projects.

Qmerit also integrates advanced technologies like smart panels, load management and bidirectional-ready systems, helping customers future-proof their charging setups. As EV adoption accelerates, Qmerit’s scale, consistency and technical expertise position it as a key player in the expansion of reliable, standardized charging infrastructure.

EVinfo.net’s Take: Electric Medium-Duty Trucks (Class 6–7) in North America

Peterbilt and Kenworth (PACCAR) have joined major manufacturers including Freightliner (Daimler Truck) Volvo Trucks and others currently selling electric medium-duty trucks (Class 6–7) in North America. These OEMs offer production-ready battery-electric models through established dealer networks, alongside newer entrants and specialized electric-only builders.

Key Brands and Models

Freightliner (Daimler Truck)
Freightliner offers the eM2, a versatile Class 6–7 electric truck designed for urban delivery, utility, and municipal applications. The eM2 features the Detroit ePowertrain and is supported by Daimler’s extensive service network.

Volvo Trucks North America
Volvo provides the VNR Electric, a Class 6–8 platform recognized for advanced safety systems, connected vehicle technology, and regional haul capabilities.

RIZON (by Daimler Truck)
RIZON focuses exclusively on medium-duty electric trucks, including models such as the e18M. These vehicles are distributed in the U.S. through Velocity Truck Centers and are designed for box truck, flatbed, and vocational use.

Motiv Power Systems
Motiv is a dedicated electric truck manufacturer delivering purpose-built medium-duty solutions for shuttle buses, box trucks, and specialty fleet applications. Check out exciting new startup Arcticar, focused on electric refrigeration, founded by former Motiv Founder/ CTO Jim Castelaz.

Xos Trucks
Xos specializes in Class 6–7 electric commercial vehicles, with its MDXT platform targeted at last-mile delivery, parcel services, and logistics fleets. The trucks are engineered for high payload capacity and strong torque.

Harbinger Motors
Harbinger produces a modular, medium-duty electric chassis used for box trucks, step vans, RVs, and specialty vehicles. The company supplies major customers such as FedEx and THOR Industries and is actively selling vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. In November, EVinfo.net reported Harbinger announced it has raised $160 million in a Series C funding round co-led by FedEx, the world’s largest express transportation company. Patrick George and Tim Levin at InsideEVs recently interviewed John Henry Harris, CEO of Harbinger Motors.

Bollinger Motors (Mullen Automotive subsidiary)
Bollinger previously focused on all-electric commercial trucks, most notably the Class 4 B4 chassis cab. While the company emphasized rugged, customizable fleet vehicles, Bollinger has recently ceased operations following challenges under Mullen ownership.

Where to Buy

Major Dealer Networks
Large commercial dealer groups such as Rush Truck Centers represent multiple electric truck brands and provide sales, service, and warranty support.

Authorized and EV-Certified Dealers
OEM-specific dealers—such as Volvo Trucks or RIZON/Velocity Truck Centers—offer certified EV sales and service capabilities tailored to electric commercial vehicles.