Purchasers of certain Kenworth medium duty diesel-electric hybrid trucks in the United States are eligible for a tax credit of up to $12,000, under a qualified hybrid motor vehicle credit available from the federal government.

The U.S. Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service recently certified the tax credit eligibility of Kenworth T370 Class 7 and Kenworth T270 Class 6 hybrid trucks in both pickup and delivery and utility boom applications, when equipped with a PACCAR PX-6 engine and an Eaton diesel-electric hybrid power system. The T370 qualifies for a $12,000 credit, the maximum for Class 7 hybrids. The T270 qualifies for a $6,000 credit, the maximum for Class 6 hybrids. The credit applies to Kenworth hybrid trucks built this year.

"These federal tax credits provide important support to customers interested in purchasing Kenworth medium duty hybrid trucks," said Gary Moore, Kenworth assistant general manager for marketing and sales.

Kenworth's goal is to enhance fuel economy by up to 30 percent in pickup and delivery applications and up to 50 percent in utility operations. The Kenworth hybrids feature a PACCAR PX-6 engine, integral transmission-mounted motor/generator, frame-mounted 340-volt battery pack, and dedicated power management system. Advanced powertrain controls monitor driving conditions and automatically select the ideal power mode, smoothly switching among electric only, combined diesel and electric, and diesel only power modes. Electricity generated through regenerative braking is stored and used for acceleration, assisting the diesel engine. The hybrid system is monitored through a dash display. As the power requirements for different driving conditions change, the screen constantly updates the driver on system status.