Elon Musk would approve. As a fan of the ‘X’ brand he would likely approve of DAF’s decision to rebrand their lightweight truck range from LF to XB. It’s understandable, as the new XB model name sits better alongside the company’s new XD, XF and XG range of heavier trucks. The only difference between the XB and the others is that the new XB range does not receive a new cab and must soldier on with the existing Renault-built cab that has been around since 1999.

The DAF XB trucks maintains the same weight range between 7.5 up to 19 tonnes GVW. This new model series includes a comprehensive range of battery electric vehicles and includes the XBC construction truck. The new DAF XB series will enter production in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Zero Emission, 350km Range

DAF was the first European truck manufacturer to offer a range of battery electric trucks to the market with the New Generation XD and XF Electric models. Now, DAF has further enlarged its ‘zero emission’ product offering with the new DAF XB Electric. Customers can choose models at 12, 16 and 19 tonnes GVW. The 12-tonner is fitted with 17.5” wheels and only needs one entry step.

The e-motor of the XB Electric provides 120 or 190 kW of nominal power depending of the specification and a nominal torque of 950 and 1.850 Nm respectively (2.600 and 3.500 Nm peak). For the lowest possible environmental impact and highest durability, DAF applies a cobalt and magnesium-free, lithium iron phosphate (LFP – Lithium Ferro Phosphate) high energy density battery packs with a gross energy content of 141 up to 282 kWh. These allow XB Electric ranges of up to 350 kilometres; more than enough for the needs of urban distribution transport operators.

Fast and slow charging

A special feature of the new DAF XB Electric is the ‘Combined Charging System’. This allows the truck to be charged through the regular electricity network and is ideal when the truck returns to the home base at the end of the day. Rapid charging the batteries (650V DC, 150 kW) from 20% to 80% will only take 40 to 70 minutes, depending on the specification.

To optimally support customers in the transition to zero emission road transport, DAF’s comprehensive offering also includes a broad range of charging solutions, advice on planning of routes and charging, and the provision of dedicated training for drivers to get the best out of their vehicles.

Same PACCAR engines

The DAF XB is available with the same 4.5 litre 4-cylinder PACCAR PX-5 and 6.7 litre 6-cylinder PACCAR PX-7 engines as the outgoing LF range. The range even has near identical outputs from 124 kW (170 hp) to 227 kW (310 hp).

The PACCAR PX-5 and PX-7 engines are ready for the application of HVO, reducing CO2 emissions with up to 90% (‘well-to-wheel’).

PowerLine automatic gearboxes

The DAF XB with PX-5 and PX-7 engines are offered in combination with a 8-speed, fully automatic PowerLine transmission, which offers optimal gear spread and steps. Powershifting without any torque interruption enables smooth shifts and quick throttle response, resulting in outstanding comfort and driveability. In addition, the transmission provides excellent low speed manoeuvrability thanks to the urge-to-move feature upon releasing the brake pedal.

6- and 9-speed manual transmissions are also available for the DAF XB series, while fully automatic Allison gearboxes can be ordered for special applications.

Bodybuilder-friendliness

There is an extensive range of wheelbases (up to 6.9 metres) and chassis lengths, allowing over 9 metres bodies.  Low kerb weights result in highest payloads for optimal return per kilometre. In addition, the chassis of the XB series features a new grid pattern for excellent bodybuilder-friendliness. New are pre-defined chassis lay-outs with repositioned fuel tanks, exhaust systems, batteries and air tanks, specifically meant for road sweepers and tippers.

New standard in safety

The new DAF XB distribution truck is available with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems for class leading safety and driver comfort.

The AEBS system (Advanced Emergency Braking System) is equipped with both a radar and a camera, signalling vulnerable road users in front of the vehicle (Drive-off Assist). The Event Data Recorder records images and data when the AEBS brake warning is activated and the DAF Turn Assist warns in case cyclists are in the vehicles’ blind spots. The new DAF Drowsiness Detection assesses the driver’s alertness and warns when a break is needed.

Furthermore, each XB comes with Speed Limit Recognition that informs the driver about actual speed limits, while the passive Lane Change Assist helps to avoid dangerous manoeuvres by warning for potentially unintended lane changes.

Outstanding direct vision is realized by the low cab positioning, the large windscreen and side windows and their low window belt lines. As an option, a Kerb View Window is available for an unobstructed view on other road users on the co-driver’s side. The slim design of the new mirrors allow for the perfect combination of direct and indirect view.                                  

New standard in driver comfort

With the XB, DAF once again proves its excellent reputation for manufacturing trucks that are also the driver’s favourite. The comfortable Day, Extended Day and Sleeper Cabs all have perfectly positioned entry steps, wide-opening doors and a low cab position for outstanding accessibility. The comfortable seats feature the same soft-woven upholstery as the DAF XD, XF, XG and XG+ trucks, with which the New Generation XB also shares the high level of fit and finish, the new steering wheel and the eye-catching 12-inch digital display on the dashboard. It shows all vehicle-related information at a glance and it configurable to the driver’s preference.

XBC for Construction applications

Alongside the XB series for on-road applications, DAF is also introducing the XBC series, designed for areas such as the construction segment. The XBC has a 19-tonne chassis and features a high ground clearance of 255 millimetres, a large approach angle of 25 degrees, a steel front radiator plate to protect the engine bay and a sturdy lava-grey steel bumper.