Kenworth’s Electric Leap: T680E Upgraded and T880E Breaks New Ground
At the 2025 ACT Expo in Anaheim, Kenworth made a bold move — one that signals where the future of trucking is heading. The company unveiled an upgraded T680E and introduced the industry’s first Class 8 electric vocational truck, the T880E. With this dual announcement, Kenworth is expanding its zero-emission lineup for both freight and vocational operators, aiming directly at regional hauls, construction fleets, and drayage markets.
This marks a major advancement in the shift toward electrified freight and brings new considerations for fleets — from equipment coverage and cost projections to insurance risk mitigation and compliance strategies.
🔋 The Updated T680E: Quieter, Smarter, Stronger
At the 2025 ACT Expo in Anaheim, Kenworth made a bold move — one that signals where the future of trucking is heading. The company unveiled an upgraded T680E and introduced the industry’s first Class 8 electric vocational truck, the T880E. With this dual announcement, Kenworth is expanding its zero-emission lineup for both freight and vocational operators, aiming directly at regional hauls, construction fleets, and drayage markets.
This marks a major advancement in the shift toward electrified freight and brings new considerations for fleets — from equipment coverage and cost projections to insurance risk mitigation and compliance strategies.
🔋 The Updated T680E: Quieter, Smarter, Stronger
The refreshed T680E is designed for regional and short-haul operators. With a 500 kWh battery configuration offering over 200 miles of range and 350 kW DC fast charging (90% charge in under two hours), it presents a clear alternative to diesel tractors without compromising uptime.
✅ Key T680E Upgrades:
365–470 horsepower (up to 605 peak)
1,850 lb-ft of torque
15" DriverConnect digital interface
Three battery-string range options
Aerodynamic redesign and blue ZEV badging
With a whisper-quiet ride and smoother acceleration, the T680E improves the driving experience while cutting noise pollution and vibration fatigue — making it ideal for urban and metro-based routes.
🚧 The T880E: First-of-Its-Kind Class 8 Electric Vocational Truck
Breaking new ground, Kenworth’s T880E is the first Class 8 BEV built for vocational applications. Designed for jobsites and heavy-duty work, it offers range flexibility from 100 to 250+ miles and up to 625 kWh of battery storage. It’s built on a durable, central eMotor architecture, allowing for customizable specs like wheelbase length, lift axles, and ePTO ports.
✅ Vocational Use-Case Ready:
82,000 lb GVWR
CCS1 charging at 350 kW
ePTO compatibility for hydraulic tools/mixers
Set-back or set-forward axle options
High-and-low voltage ePTO ports
This is a truck designed for action — and as BEV requirements grow in construction and infrastructure, the T880E gives fleets a compliant, powerful, and serviceable option for heavy-duty needs.
🛠️ Technology & Testing: Built for Real-World Demands
Kenworth isn’t just slapping a battery on a chassis. These trucks were built from the ground up using PACCAR’s ePowertrain platform, and both models have undergone extensive field testing across 46 trucks, various terrains, and multiple use-cases.
With shared tech like DigitalVision Mirrors, Bendix Fusion, Lane Keep Assist, and an all-new DriverConnect touchscreen, these trucks are more than emissions-compliant — they’re tech-forward and productivity-focused.
🛡️ What This Means for Risk Management and Fleet Insurance
As fleets move toward electric power, insurance needs are evolving. The upfront cost of BEVs like the T880E or T680E may be higher, but they introduce different risk profiles:
Battery system coverage
ePTO component risk
On-site charging infrastructure liability
Downtime exposure during charging or grid outages
Compliance support for ZEV mandates
At Allcom Insurance, we specialize in fleet and commercial auto coverage tailored to both traditional and alternative fuel platforms. Whether you’re transitioning a portion of your fleet or committing to zero-emission goals, we help you manage:
✅ Charging equipment risk
✅ Physical damage and downtime coverage
✅ Environmental compliance gaps
✅ Custom endorsements for BEV-specific liabilities
📞 Future-Proof Your Coverage Today
With Kenworth’s electric models now available for order, 2025 will be a defining year for electric vocational and freight trucking. As regulations, maintenance protocols, and operating costs shift — so should your insurance strategy.
Call Allcom Insurance today at 866-277-9049 or visit www.allcomins.com to talk with an expert about updating your policy for new electric assets.
Final Takeaway
The new Kenworth T680E and T880E aren't just tech upgrades — they represent a shift in the design, utility, and expectation of commercial trucks in the zero-emission era. For carriers and fleet owners, the challenge now is aligning operations and coverage strategies with this evolution.
Allcom Insurance is here to make sure you're protected — no matter how your fleet moves forward.