DAF Trucks is cleaning-up at RTX this year as the UK market-leader takes an inside stand for the first time to showcase the latest products from its now-complete New Generation DAF range.
 
With the transport industry’s ever-increasing focus on sustainability, DAF Trucks is handing a show debut to its XB Electric 19.0-tonner, while the company takes a leading role in the government’s ZEHID and BETT programmes putting forward the case for EV operations.

DAF to feature in ZEHID programme
While the new XB Electric takes centre-stage at RTX, DAF’s larger XD Electric and XF Electric models – which go into production soon in the UK at Leyland Trucks – will feature prominently in the UK Government’s and Innovate UK’s Zero Emission HGV & Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme. ZEHID will see fleets comprised primarily of battery electric trucks rolled-out through four consortia, each with a responsibility to demonstrate the efficacy of higher weight / longer-distance zero emissions operations.
 
Major operators involved in the programme include Maritime Transport, Marks & Spencer, Menzies, Royal Mail and Eddie Stobart.

BETT – the results are in
ZEHID follows the conclusion of the recent Battery Electric Truck Trial (BETT) where 20 DAF LF Electric vehicles were placed into service with a range of public bodies including the National Health Service and Local Authorities – the results from which contained in an interactive website to inform operators’ buying decisions and to help stimulate the adoption of electric trucks - https://bett.cenex.co.uk/assets/reports/BETT---End-of-trial-report.pdf.
 
The positive outcome of the trial affirms DAF Trucks’ credentials as a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles, with its latest XB Electric models ideally suited to back-to-base operations.

PACCAR Charging
DAF and PACCAR experts will be on-hand at RTX to describe how the brands support their increasing electric truck range with a choice of fixed and mobile PACCAR battery-charging solutions.
 
Fixed PACCAR charging stations are available with power levels ranging from 20kW up to 360kW. To provide maximum flexibility, a range of mobile battery-chargers are offered with power levels from 24kW up to 40kW. Charging capability of between 20kW to 50kW can support the daily operations of an individual truck charged during the evening or overnight.
The range of PACCAR battery-chargers may also be used with other electric commercial vehicles, including vans. PACCAR equipment is backed by a two-year warranty.

HVO – right here, right now
With customers’ total cost of operation very much in mind, especially with respect to the industry’s switch to cleaner drive technologies, DAF Trucks remains keen to expound the use of hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO). As an alternative to diesel, HVO offers an immediate solution for operators serious about cutting emissions, whereby its 90% reduction in CO2 emissions from well-to-wheel delivers a dramatic, positive impact on addressing climate change.
 
Furthermore, its ‘drop-in’ appeal means operators incur no capital costs, with the added benefit of knowing their vehicles require no modifications. HVO can simply be used as a diesel alternative, or blended with existing diesel, and, for DAF operators, it can be used right across the DAF ICE product range.
 
DAF Trucks has been a staunch advocate of HVO for over five years, and is delighted to see an increasing acceptance of HVO from both operators and the market generally. DAF’s current ICE vehicle demonstration fleet is fuelled with HVO.