The good news for the environment is that a national food wholesaler and distributor, Reynolds Catering Supplies, has put a new, zero-emissions DAF LF Electric at 19-tonne GVW into service for multi-drop deliveries around Leeds. However, the order also included no fewer than 29 diesel DAF trucks. The truck will be saving around 70 to 80 tonnes of CO2 every year, but think of the CO2 reductions from thirty of these trucks.
We all understand that the electric trucks are still in their infancy, but they will need to grow up fast at this weight range, as they will be all you can buy in around six and a half years’ time.
The DAF LF electric looks like a proper truck – it is fitted with a Gray & Adams refrigerated / insulated body and a ‘Slimline 15’ emissions-free temperature control unit from refrigeration specialist, Hulsteins.
How’s the Electric Truck Performing?
The company reports excellent vehicle performance, with driver feedback focusing on ease of use and nimble handling characteristics around town.
Based on a delivery cycle of over 100 miles (six hours per day / six days per week), Reynolds calculates the new DAF LF Electric will deliver an annual CO2 emissions saving of up to 70-tonnes. The emissions-free Hulsteins Slimline 15 unit, which plugs directly into the vehicle’s ePTO, will contribute a 10-tonne CO2 reduction annually.
With a fleet profile covering a wide range of weight categories, Reynolds continues to demonstrate a clear commitment to introducing electrification throughout its fleet, with the company already seeing efficiency benefits with smaller electric vehicles fulfilling local and ‘last mile’ requirements. The new DAF LF Electric enters service with Reynolds following an extensive driver training programme.
Fleet Purchase
The DAF LF Electric is supplied through fleet hire specialist, NRG Riverside, with a further 29 conventional Euro-6 powered DAF trucks on order, including 13 DAF LF 16-tonners and four new DAF XD 26-tonners in 2023, plus 12 DAF LF 16-tonners expected next year.
The 19-tonne GVW DAF LF Electric is powered by an electric motor developing 250kW nominal power and nominal torque of 1,200Nm. DAF’s latest cobalt- and magnesium-free LFP batteries provide a gross energy content of 282kWh (254 kWh effective) to give the vehicle a single charge range of up to 280km (subject to route and weather conditions).
As a major DAF operator, Reynolds Catering believes the manufacturer’s overall service and aftersales credentials offers valuable peace-of-mind when supporting the new LF Electric. Steve White, Head of Fleet at Reynolds, said, “As a truck maker, DAF provides the right profile; top-quality products supported by a widespread dealer network and a service offering that’s the best in the business. We know we’re in safe hands. At 19-tonnes GVW,” he said, “the LF Electric appears to be the ideal fit for our multi-drop inter-urban operation out of Leeds. It’s intensive too; 15 drops covering over 100 miles every day, six days a week.
Nick Reynolds, Head of Sustainability, added, “We’re at the forefront of sustainability in the food sector,” he added, “and, with vehicles like the DAF LF Electric, we’re showing a commitment to our customers. We’re investing in clean vehicles right now which will future-proof the business.
