The electric DAF CF rigids and tractor units are being made available for sale after successful field tests. No mention of pricing at this stage – but it will probably be from the Rolls Royce School, “If Sir has to ask the price, Sir probably can’t afford it”.
DAF has beefed up the batteries, extending the range, whilst still managing to save a substantial 700kgs in weight, such is the pace of battery development.
Double the Range
Using VDL e-power technology DAF has managed to double the CF Electric’s range to more than 200 kilometres. Field operational tests of the first models of the CF Electric already began in 2018 with Dutch and German customers, after which the second generation – equipped with new software and a new dashboard – went on sale last year.
Tractor and rigid
The DAF CF Electric is ideal for zero emissions and quiet use in urban areas, for general distribution, supermarket supply and for waste collection. DAF currently offers the CF Electric as a 4×2 tractor (GCW: 37-tonnes) and as a 6×2 rigid with steered trailing axle for maximum manoeuvrability (GVW: 28-tonnes).
Proven and reliable technology
The newest generation of CF Electric vehicles builds upon the proven reliability and user-friendliness of previous generations. A new development to the current generation is the lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 350 kWh (315 kWh effective capacity). In addition to being more powerful, the battery pack is also much lighter – no less than 700 kg. This reduction translates directly into higher payload.
The battery is conditioned, meaning that the temperature always remains between 25 and 40 degrees Celsius, regardless of the weather, which supports durability and the consistent level of performance of the battery pack.
500 electric kilometres per day
Thanks to the increased capacity of the battery pack – which retains the same dimensions – the CF Electric now has a range of over 200 kilometres, a twofold increase compared with previous generations. Fully charging the battery is usually carried out at the truck’s home base and takes about 75 minutes using a charging station with a capacity of 250 kilowatt.
By recharging the battery while (un)loading or during the driver’s break, it is possible to drive up to 500 fully electric kilometres a day in the DAF CF Electric. This is very advantageous in terms of the truck’s productivity and efficiency.
Specific advice for acquisition and use
The use of electric vehicles requires a specific approach from the customer. That is why DAF offers its customers support through advanced route simulation models to help devise the most efficient planning for their vehicle, including useful advice on smart and efficient recharging of the battery. DAF also offers advice – together with selected suppliers, such as VDL – regarding the optimal charging infrastructure.
On sale in September
The CF Electric with extended range will go on sale in Europe this month, with delivery expected to start in early 2021.
‘An important step forward’
“With its increased range, the new CF Electric strengthens our position at the forefront of electric road transport,” says Ron Borsboom, Executive Director DAF Product Development. “This truck has been developed in response to the rising demand for better air quality in our cities and lower CO2 emissions. 500 fully electric kilometres per day is something transport operators can really work with.”