DAF launches CF Electric

Dutch truck maker DAF is the latest company to release a fully electric truck.

It’s partnering with manufacturing company VDL to release the first series of CF Electric trucks in 2018.

DAF president Preston Feight says the electric trucks fit into the company’s history of “developing innovative solutions” to meet the needs of customers.

“DAF was among the first manufacturers to introduce a hybrid electric distribution truck in Europe and has continued to develop hybrid and electric powertrains.

“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 president Willem van der Leegte says his company is leading the charge with commercial vehicle electrification.

“VDL has proven itself as a leader in fully electric buses for public transport and has already delivered hundreds of electric buses to public transport operators throughout Europe.

“Partnering with DAF on this electric truck is an exciting development and represents a tremendous opportunity for two Eindhoven-based technology companies to lead the electric commercial vehicle world.”

The CF Electric is a 4×2 tractor unit developed for up to 40 tonne distribution within urban areas in which single or double axle semi-trailers are the standard.

The truck is based on DAF’s CF, International Truck of the Year 2018, and uses VDL’s advanced technology for fully electric operation.

It features a 210 kW electric motor, which gets its energy from the lithium-ion battery pack with a current total capacity of 170 kWh.

The CF Electric has a range of approximately 100 kilometres which is appropriate for high volume distribution applications.

Quick charging of the batteries can be executed in 30 minutes or a complete full charge of around 1.5 hours.