Meritor to supply PACCAR with electric powertrain technology

Kenworth has been involved with each SuperTruck initiative

Meritor has been awarded the contract to supply PACCAR with battery-electric drivetrain technology related to the SuperTruck 3 development project.

SuperTruck 3 covers development of prototype battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell-powered medium- and heavy-duty freight trucks intended to reduce related vehicle emissions.

The powertrain technology will support development of battery-powered Class 8 Kenworth and Peterbilt vehicles.

“We are excited to be working on the SuperTruck program again and proud of our contribution in each of the previous two initiatives,” said Tim Bowes, senior vice president and president, Electrification, Industrial and North America Aftermarket, Meritor.

“As part of the project, Meritor Blue Horizon technology will be utilized to develop the next generation of electric powertrains for commercial vehicles,” he said.

PACCAR (which includes the Kenworth, Peterbilt, Leyland Trucks and DAF brands) was awarded almost $33 million (£25 million, €29 million) by the US Department of Energy to develop 18 Class 8 battery-electric vehicles, together with related charging stations.

Other OEMs involved in the SuperTruck3 project are Volvo Group North America, Daimler Trucks North America, Ford Motor and General Motors. Volvo will also develop a battery-electric truck, while the other OEMs have received grant money to support development of fuel cell powertrains for trucks.

Grant money will be matched by each of the OEMs.