In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable transportation, the DAF XD Electric and DAF XF Electric will take center stage in a British programme aimed at showcasing zero-emission solutions for long-distance trucking.
This pioneering initiative is financially backed by the UK Government and executed in collaboration with Innovate UK.
Dubbed the “Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme,” the project is set to span five years.
The primary objectives of the programme include jumpstarting the adoption of fully electric long-haul transport and initiating the establishment of a comprehensive public charging infrastructure tailored for trucks.
Commenting on DAF’s pivotal role in the programme, Managing Director at DAF Trucks UK, David Kiss, expressed, “The Government’s funding represents a significant opportunity to demonstrate and encourage the deployment of battery electric trucks in longer distance operations and at higher weights.”
“Our New Generation DAF XD Electric and XF Electric models are the ideal choice for fleets, offering operational capabilities up to the maximum 42-tonne GCW allowed for zero-emission five-axle combinations in the UK,” he added.
They also boast a single-charge range of up to 500 km, and with 325 kW fast charging, it’s even possible to achieve a 1,000 km per day operation.
Zero Emission Trucks Set to Hit the Roads
The DAF XD and XF Electric tractor units are poised to enter operational service with major industry players.
Notable fleets participating in the demonstrator programme comprise Maritime Transport, Marks & Spencer, Menzies, Royal Mail, and Eddie Stobart.
This initiative comes on the heels of the successful conclusion of the Battery Electric Truck Trial (BETT), where 20 DAF LF Electric urban distribution vehicles, operated by public bodies such as the National Health Service (NHS) and Local Authorities, underscored DAF Trucks’ standing as a leading manufacturer of electric trucks.
Read more: Parliament Approves Rules to Reduce Pollution from Trucks and Buses
