PORT OF LOS ANGELES: April 23, 2019. Truck manufacturer Kenworth and Toyota North America are developing 10 zero-emissions Kenworth T680 tractors using Toyota hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrains.

The effort is part of a US$41 million zero and near-zero emissions freight facilities grant awarded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to the Port of Los Angeles.

CARB is part of California Climate Investments, a California initiative that uses Cap-and-Trade US$ billions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the state’s economy and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.

The programme’s trucking partners are Toyota Logistics Services, UPS, TTSI and Southern Counties Express. The companies will operate the Kenworth T680s to provide data for future development of the zero emissions powertrain.

Also important for commercial adoption is the hydrogen fueling infrastructure growth funded by the grant. The programme will expand the quantity and accessibility of heavy-duty hydrogen fueling stations with Shell building the first two.

“This cooperative effort among the Port of Los Angeles, Kenworth, Toyota and Shell is key to the development of hydrogen fuel cell electric technology in Class 8 trucks,” said Mike Dozier, Kenworth general manager. “The goal is to demonstrate and further develop advanced zero emissions powertrains for commercial vehicles,” he added.