DAF reports successful customer tests of its XD and XF electric trucks

DAF says it is preparing for series production of the two new electric trucks XD Electric and XF Electric at its new factory in Eindhoven. At the opening of the assembly plant in January 2023, DAF announced the start of series production for spring 2023. The Dutch company did not address this delay in its press release. They prefer to focus on the successful customer tests.

The two electric models from DAF are based on the new generation of the XF and XD. At DAF, these are two previously pure combustion series that are now receiving electrically powered offshoots. The XD Electric and the XF Electric are basically the manufacturer’s third and fourth electric models. To date, the Dutch company has offered the CF Electric as a three-axle vehicle with up to 28 tonnes, while the LF Electric is a 19-tonner with two axles and a payload of 11,700 kilograms.

The manufacturer unveiled the two new XL electric vehicles at the IAA Transportation in Hanover in 2022. Since then, the duo has also been available to order. The XD series from DAF is intended for the distribution segment, for which the cab has been equipped with special features such as a ‘Curb View Window’. The XF series is a long-haulage lorry. Both models have modular drivetrains with electric motors from Paccar, which deliver between 170 and 350 kW, and a range of LFP battery packs for ranges of 200 to over 500 kilometres, which can be charged with up to 325 kW.

According to DAF, the reactions in customer tests with Dutch hauliers have been very promising. Representatives from Oegema Transport, E. van Wijk Logistics and Cornelissen Transport will be speaking as testimonials. Gerlof Oegema from Oegema Transport in Dedemsvaart says: “We are covering almost 500 kilometres with our XD Electric on a single full charge. With an additional charge we would be able to cover 1,000 kilometres a day, which creates interesting opportunities for long distances.”

In terms of technical data, different electric drives are used in the vehicles depending on customer requirements. DAF relies on the EX family from Paccar. The Paccar EX-D1 drive is available with 170, 220 or 270 kW. The Paccar EX-D2 with 270, 310 or 350 kW. Both engines are combined with a three-speed gearbox from ZF. The battery can also be customised in stages. The smallest configuration consists of two battery packs with a total energy content of 210 kWh (for a range of around 200 kilometres). The largest option consists of five packs with a total of 525 kWh for a range of up to 500 kilometres. The ordering options are as follows:

Source: DAF

Source: DAF

DAF specifies a charging capacity of 325 kW for DC charging, while the new e-trucks can draw 22 kW from AC chargers. DAF has not yet announced prices for the vehicles, but stated in an earlier press release that the models will be positioned in the premium segment: “With the brand-new modular EV powertrains, DAF is once again taking the lead in zero-emission transport and offering its customers fully electric premium truck solutions.”

According to DAF, the new generation of the XD series (both electric and with a combustion engine) will set “new standards in the distribution segment.” This includes, for example, a new cab with larger windscreen and side windows and a lower belt line for better all-round visibility. Other features such as a Curb View Window, a folding passenger seat and assistants such as the DAF Digital Vision System and DAF Corner View are also intended to improve the driver’s view. The cab is available as a Day Cab or as a Sleeper and Sleeper High Cab.

In the XF electric truck for long-distance transport, a Day Cab and a Sleeper Cab also complement the Sleeper High Cab previously available – as well as the new electric drive.

daf.com, daftrucks.de (in German, XF Electric), daftrucks.de (in German, XD Electric)