DAF EXPERIMENTING WITH ELECTRIC POWER

While PACCAR’s US operations take part in the Super Truck II project its  European subsidiary DAF, has unveiled its first series of CF Electric trucks – adding to the battery-powered nameplates on the other side of the Atlantic.

DAF has unveiled a 4×2 tractor developed for urban distribution applications based on the company’s CF model using a 210-kW electric motor at the heart of the powertrain.

Power is stored in a 170 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with torque reaching up to 1,999 Newton metres, offering a range of about 100 km, which the company says is appropriate for high-volume distribution applications in Europe.

DAF claims quick charges can be completed in 30 minutes, while full charges are possible in 1.5 hours.

The field test trucks will be manufactured by DAF and the full electric installation will be completed by VDL Group.

“DAF was among the first manufacturers to introduce a hybrid electric distribution truck in Europe and has continued to develop hybrid and electric powertrains,” said DAF Trucks president Preston Feight.

“As cities announce their intention to require zero emissions and ultra-low noise we will make sure our customers have the optimal solutions for their success.”

VDL has already delivered hundreds of electric buses in Europe.