Kenworth, Peterbilt Launch New Medium-Duty Battery-Electric Models for Pickup, Delivery, and Vocational Fleets

December 9, 2025

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Key Takeaways

  • Kenworth unveiled two new medium-duty battery-electric trucks — the K540E and K640E — built on its K270 and K370 platforms.
  • Peterbilt introduced three new medium-duty EV models — the 536EV, 537EV, and 548EV — expanding its existing electric portfolio.
  • Both brands use PACCAR’s 150 kWh and 225 kWh battery packs, support DC fast charging up to 150 kW, and can fully recharge in about one hour.
  • The new electric models deliver ranges of up to 170 miles (Kenworth) and up to 200 miles (Peterbilt), with production starting in 2025 and preorders now open.

Kenworth and Peterbilt announced expansions to their zero-emission portfolios with the introduction of new medium-duty battery-electric truck models designed for pickup and delivery, utility, and other urban and regional applications. The launches further broaden PACCAR’s electric offerings across key vocational and distribution segments.

Kenworth introduced the T280E, T380E, and T480E, new medium-duty battery-electric additions to its zero-emission lineup. The models are available in Class 5-7 configurations and are designed for applications such as pickup and delivery, utility services, and various municipal operations. Battery configurations include two options, which offer 250 kWh (up to 200 miles) and 375 kWh of energy storage (up to 280 miles), and the ability to charge in one hour, depending on battery configuration and charger type.

The new Kenworth EVs also integrate PACCAR’s fully integrated ePowertrain platform, offering multiple eMotor ratings from 170kW (230 hp continuous, 335 hp peak) up to 350kW (470 hp continuous, 605 hp peak), with peak torque ratings of 1,100 or 1,850 lb.-ft. They will also feature factory-installed options for high-voltage ePTO ports, which can be utilized to power equipment, a mechanical ePTO, or body configurations in conjunction with aftermarket body upfitters.

Peterbilt simultaneously expanded its electric vehicle portfolio with the introduction of three new medium-duty battery-electric models: the 536EV and 537EV, engineered for regional delivery as well as service and utility trucks, and the new Class 8 Model 548EV, which supports 4×2 tractors and vocational configurations with PTOs, such as dump trucks.

The Peterbilt models are equipped with PACCAR’s electric powertrain featuring a 355 hp (265 kW) motor and 1,550 lb.-ft. of torque, along with regenerative braking to improve energy efficiency. Among the three models, the 548EV is purpose-built for demanding vocational applications, while the 536EV and 537EV target urban and regional distribution operations.

Both PACCAR brands highlighted that preorders for the new electric models are now open through their respective dealer networks, with production beginning in 2026.