Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has begun working with Kenworth on the supply of ten zero-emission trucks to move freight in the Los Angeles Basin.
As well as mixed loads to and from the port of LA, a number of the hydrogen fuel cell trucks will be dedicated to transporting finished vehicles and parts to Toyota dealers in the area, though final plans are still being finalised, according to the carmaker.
Toyota will be providing the fuel cell powertrains in the T680 trucks and co-developing their integration in the vehicle with Kenworth. The trucks should have a range of over 300 miles (480 kilometres) under normal operating conditions.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Kenworth and Toyota to work together to both explore and drive the development of advanced zero-emission technologies that will play a critical role in the commercial transportation of the future,” said Mike Dozier, Kenworth general manager and vice-president of Paccar, Kenworth’s parent company.
Bob Carter, executive vice-president, TMNA, added: “This is not just a science experiment; the goal is to make a difference in society, to remove pollution and improve the air quality in and around the port of Los Angeles.”
Toyota said the joint project between TMNA and Kenworth was part of a $41m Zero and Near-Zero Emissions Freight Facilities (Zanzeff) grant awarded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The port of Los Angeles is the main applicant for the grant, which is part of a larger $82m programme that will put fuel cell electric tractors, hydrogen fuelling infrastructure, and zero-emissions cargo handling equipment into operation in the ports and Los Angeles basin in 2020.
