Kenworth launches EV technician training, certification program

Kenworth has launched an EV technician training and certification program as part of its efforts to prepare Kenworth dealerships to service electric vehicles, such as the T680E, K370E, and K270E, in the U.S. and Canada. 

To attain initial EV certification, Kenworth technicians must successfully complete a challenging seven-course curriculum on service systems, electrical principles, electrical systems, electrical systems II, cab and chassis electronics, electric vehicles systems, and advanced electric diagnostics. The Kenworth program offers a variety of classroom and virtual training with course lengths varying from two to four days. 

“It’s vitally important to support Kenworth’s ‘Driving To Zero Emissions’ endeavor to bring battery electric vehicles into the marketplace by ensuring that we help provide in-depth training and a certification path for service technicians at Kenworth dealerships,” said Jim Walenczak, assistant general manager for sales and marketing at Kenworth.

Features of the T680E, K370E, and K270E battery electric vehicles include:

• T680E: Designed for pickup and delivery, regional haul and drayage applications, the T680E has an estimated operating range of 150 miles, depending on application, uses the SAE CCS1 charge port, and can be fully charged in about three hours. Kenworth’s Class 8 battery electric vehicle features Meritor’s Blue Horizon 14Xe tandem electric powertrain with smooth shifting and operation.
• K270E and K370E: The K270E and K370E battery electric vehicles offer direct-drive motors rated at 355 hp for the K270E and 469 hp for the K370E. The electric powertrain is available with high-density battery packs of 141kWh and 282kWh that deliver up to 100- and 200-mile range, respectively. Both models utilize a DC fast-charging system capable of fast recharge in as quick as one hour, which makes the Kenworth K270E and K370E cabovers ideal for local pickup and delivery, as well as short regional haul operations. End-of-shift and overnight AC charging is also offered.