Kenworth has introduced the T880E, the first Class 8 battery-electric truck designed specifically for vocational applications in North America. Debuted at ACT Expo, the new model expands the company’s electric vehicle offerings to include work-focused operations such as construction, refuse, and utility service.
The T880E is built on the PACCAR-developed ePowertrain platform and delivers between 365 to 470 horsepower in continuous output, with up to 605 horsepower at peak and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque. The truck is designed to support a range of demanding job site requirements, offering flexibility in battery capacity and vehicle configuration.
Four battery-string options are available, enabling a driving range of 100 to over 250 miles depending on the setup. The largest battery pack offers 625 kWh of energy storage and supports gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) up to 82,000 pounds. Charging is handled through a CCS1 DC port, which supports a peak charge rate of 350 kW—allowing up to 90% battery charge in around two hours.
The central motor design supports a variety of vocational configurations, including lift axles and custom wheelbases. The T880E is also equipped with high- and low-voltage ePTO ports, providing power to external equipment and making it compatible with body upfitters.
Interior features include a 15-inch DriverConnect digital touchscreen and Kenworth’s SmartWheel system. Additional options include advanced driver assistance technologies such as Bendix Fusion, Lane Keeping Assist, and DigitalVision mirror systems. The T880E retains many characteristics of the diesel-powered T880, including both set-forward and set-back front axle layouts and multi-piece hood construction.
Customer orders for the T880E are open in the U.S. and Canada, with deliveries expected later this year.
