Kenworth Truck Company introduced the new C580 heavy-haul tractor on March 3, marking the end of the C500 model’s production. The C580 is designed to debut in January 2027, as Kenworth continues its strategy of modernizing its vocational vehicle lineup. The announcement was made during the CONEXPO-CON/AGG conference held in Las Vegas.
The C500, a staple of Kenworth’s offerings since its launch in 1972, will officially be retired in 2026. This decision aligns with the company’s commitment to meet evolving emissions regulations. In March 2025, Kenworth indicated that the C500 would be phased out due to these regulatory changes, alongside other legacy models like the W900 and T800.
The C580 aims to blend the robust framework of the existing C500 chassis with modern comforts and technologies. Notable improvements include a larger windshield, an optimized hood slope, and increased space between seats, enhancing driver comfort. The new model features a customizable 15-inch digital display that provides clear visibility of all gauges and critical information, promoting safer operations. Additionally, the C580 comes equipped with standard heated LED headlamps.
Kenworth is offering the C580 in various configurations, including single- or twin-steer axles and front-drive options in 4×4, 6×6, 8×8, and 10×10 formats. The vehicle can support high-capacity axle ratings of up to 44,000 pounds on twin-steer axles and a remarkable 165,000 pounds on tandem rear axles. In North America, the C580 will be equipped with Environmental Protection Agency-compliant Cummins X15 engines, delivering up to 605 horsepower and 2,050 pound-feet of torque.
In light of stricter EPA regulations set to take effect in 2027, Paccar will also be unveiling two new engine platforms designed to meet the reduced nitrogen oxide emissions limits. The regulations will require NOx emissions from heavy-duty trucks to decrease from 200 mg/hp-hr to 35 mg/hp-hr. The engines are currently in their final development phases, undergoing rigorous testing in extreme environments, including the Arctic Circle and Death Valley, California, according to John Rich, Chief Technology Officer at Paccar.
The C580 will offer a range of transmission options, including manual, Allison 4000 and 6000 Series automatic, and Eaton Endurant XD Pro automated transmissions. Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing, stated, “The Kenworth C580 marks a new era in extreme-duty performance, capable of hauling a gross combination weight of up to 1 million pounds.” He emphasized that the C500 had set the benchmark for severe-service applications globally, operating in challenging conditions where no other truck could compete.
As part of its commitment to innovation, Kenworth has also redesigned its battery-electric vocational truck portfolio over the past year. This includes the launch of the T880E, the company’s first Class 8 battery-electric vocational truck, unveiled at the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Anaheim, California. Alongside this, Kenworth introduced an upgraded battery-electric version of its flagship T680 tractor.
In addition, two new battery-electric models were announced on December 9, including the Class 8 T480E, offering a powertrain rating of up to 350 kilowatts and a torque of 1,850 pound-feet, with a range of up to 200 miles. The Classes 7-8 T380E, also available in truck or tractor form, boasts similar powertrain capabilities and a range of up to 280 miles. Production for these models, along with the new Class 6 T280E, is anticipated to commence in 2026.
Paccar is targeting a 35% share of the North American heavy-duty truck market, supported by flexible production capabilities and tariffs. According to data from Omdia Automotive, Paccar brands achieved a combined 30.3% market share in the Class 8 truck retail market in 2025, with Peterbilt accounting for 15.2% and Kenworth 15.1%. Together, these brands secured an overall share of 30.9% in 2024.
