Kenworth delivers first — and last — natural gas-electric hybrid trucks
California’s shift to zero-emissions regulation could doom hybrids
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Kenworth's delivery of the first two prototype hybrid natural gas-electric T680 trucks may be the last now that California wants zero instead of just lower emissions. (Photo: Kenworth)
Kenworth recently delivered its first two natural gas-electric hybrid trucks to drayage and warehouse supplier Total Transportation Systems Inc. in Southern California. But the state’s regulatory shift from lower to zero emissions means they likely will be the last.
The prototypes were developed over four years, funded by a California Air Resources Board (CARB) grant. They share components that Kenworth, a PACCAR Inc. (NASDAQ: PCAR) brand, is using in a fleet of hydrogen-powered fuel cell trucks built with Toyota (NYSE: TM). Five of the 10 trucks are being tested in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.