Skip to main content
O Trucking
Commercial Truck Engine

PACCAR Electric Powertrain (Kenworth T680E, Peterbilt 579EV)

0.00L Electric motor + transmission • PACCAR

Production 2021–present Class 7-8 270–670 hp
In production
Displacement
0.00L
Configuration
Electric motor + transmission
Power range
270–670 hp
Production
2021–present

About the PACCAR Electric Powertrain (Kenworth T680E, Peterbilt 579EV)

The PACCAR Electric Powertrain is the BEV drivetrain used in the Kenworth T680E and Peterbilt 579EV Class 7-8 battery electric trucks. PACCAR launched its BEV products later than Daimler and Volvo (2021 vs 2018) but has scaled production rapidly. PACCAR's BEV platform pairs Meritor or Dana eAxle with PACCAR-engineered battery management and software. ~282 kWh battery is standard; range up to 200 miles depending on configuration.

Overview

The PACCAR Electric Powertrain is the BEV drivetrain used in the Kenworth T680E and Peterbilt 579EV Class 7-8 battery electric trucks. PACCAR launched its BEV products later than Daimler and Volvo (2021 vs 2018) but has scaled production rapidly. PACCAR's BEV platform pairs Meritor or Dana eAxle with PACCAR-engineered battery management and software. ~282 kWh battery is standard; range up to 200 miles depending on configuration.

Specifications
Manufacturer
PACCAR
Displacement
0.00 liters
Configuration
Electric motor + transmission
Fuel type
Electric (battery)
Horsepower
270–670 hp
Torque
1300–4000 lb-ft
Production years
2021–present
Truck classes
Class 7-8
Applications
Battery electric Kenworth + Peterbilt (T680E, 579EV)
Design and engineering

Meritor 14Xe or Dana TM4 SUMO HD eAxle. Battery pack mounted in chassis. CCS1 charging up to 350 kW. Regenerative braking. PACCAR Solutions telematics integrated.

Generations and emissions eras
PACCAR Electric Gen 1
2021–present
Launch in Kenworth T680E and Peterbilt 579EV.
Refinements
2024–present
Improved battery capacity options, updated software.
Reliability and longevity

Too new for long-term data. PACCAR's later entry vs Daimler/Volvo means less production volume — fewer real-world units in service.

Common problems

Range limitations. Charging infrastructure dependency.

Pros and cons

✓ Pros

  • • Kenworth + Peterbilt brand and dealer network
  • • Meritor / Dana eAxle proven supplier
  • • PACCAR build quality

⚠ Cons

  • • Later BEV entry vs Daimler/Volvo
  • • Lower production volume
  • • Range varies with configuration
Trucks that use this engine

Related

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PACCAR Electric Powertrain (Kenworth T680E, Peterbilt 579EV)?
The PACCAR Electric Powertrain is the BEV drivetrain used in the Kenworth T680E and Peterbilt 579EV Class 7-8 battery electric trucks. PACCAR launched its BEV products later than Daimler and Volvo (2021 vs 2018) but has scaled production rapidly. PACCAR's BEV platform pairs Meritor or Dana eAxle with PACCAR-engineered battery management and software. ~282 kWh battery is standard; range up to 200 miles depending on configuration.
What trucks use the PACCAR Electric Powertrain (Kenworth T680E, Peterbilt 579EV)?
The PACCAR Electric Powertrain (Kenworth T680E, Peterbilt 579EV) is used in 2 truck models we cover: Kenworth T680 Next Gen (2021+), Peterbilt 579 Next Gen / Model 589. It primarily appears in Class 7-8 applications for Battery electric Kenworth + Peterbilt (T680E, 579EV).
Is the PACCAR Electric Powertrain (Kenworth T680E, Peterbilt 579EV) reliable?
Too new for long-term data. PACCAR's later entry vs Daimler/Volvo means less production volume — fewer real-world units in service.
What are the common problems with the PACCAR Electric Powertrain (Kenworth T680E, Peterbilt 579EV)?
Range limitations. Charging infrastructure dependency.
How does the PACCAR Electric Powertrain (Kenworth T680E, Peterbilt 579EV) compare to competitors?
PACCAR Electric Powertrain (Kenworth T680E, Peterbilt 579EV) competes with other major commercial diesel engines including Cummins B6.7, Ford Power Stroke 6.7L, and Duramax 6.6L. Each has different strengths in fuel economy, reliability, parts availability, and resale impact. See the pros and cons section above for specific comparisons.
What's the resale impact of buying a truck with the PACCAR Electric Powertrain (Kenworth T680E, Peterbilt 579EV)?
Engine choice significantly affects truck resale value. Cummins-equipped trucks typically command the highest resale premium across all manufacturers, while emerging engines (International A26) or troubled legacy engines (MaxxForce 13) command lower resale.

Operating PACCAR Electric Powertrain (Kenworth T680E, Peterbilt 579EV)-equipped trucks? Talk to us.

Ready to Grow Your Trucking Business?

Dispatch support for your trucking business. Explore our current service options.