The company’s entire current vehicle lineup on display at the recent Hannover show included some future-focused electric and hybrid truck models, which will be entering customer field tests this year and next.
“The overriding priority for any development is to provide value to our customers,” says Ron Borsboom, management board member at DAF. “Our approach has always been and will always be to thoroughly validate our new developments before launch. That customer-focused strategy continues with electric and hybrid trucks. Zero emissions and low noise levels may be demanded in the future as cities announce their intentions to create zero-emission zones which could drive a need for our customers to have a wide variety of solutions to meet their needs.”
DAF LF Electric
The 19-tonne DAF LF Electric Innovation Truck is equipped with a 340-peak horsepower electric motor and 222-kWh lithium-ion battery packs, which gives the vehicle a maximum operating range of 220 kilometres at full cargo capacity. The truck’s battery packs are modular, meaning customers can choose the best capacity for their specific needs. The model on display at IAA 2018 is well-suited for distribution work in cities.
DAF CF Electric
DAF’s CF Electric Innovation truck is a 4×2 tractor that supports a maximum gross combination weight (GCW) of 37 tonnes. It has a 325-peak horsepower electric motor and a 170-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that gives it a range of roughly 100 kilometres, which makes it a fit for distribution in urban environments. It also features VDL E-Power Technology. You can perform a quick battery charge in 30 minutes or fully charge the battery pack in around an hour and 30 minutes.
DAF CF Hybrid
The DAF CF Hybrid Innovation Truck is a hybrid in more ways than one, because it runs on diesel and electric power, and it can be used in-city or in long-haul operations. It sports a 10.8-litre PACCAR MX-11 engine that produces 450 horsepower, a ZF electric motor that produces 175 peak horsepower, and a ZF TraXon transmission. The CF Hybrid has a maximum electric range of 30 to 50 kilometres at various GCWs. You can charge the batteries with the diesel engine while driving on the highway or get a full charge in 30 minutes and an 80% charge in 20 minutes at a DC charging station. Braking and using Down Hill Speed Control and Predictive Cruise Control will recharge the batteries over time.
