DAF Trucks starts series production of the fully electric DAF XD and XF Electric. New, advanced drivelines combined with the extremely aerodynamic design of the vehicles enable a zero-emission operating range of more than 500 kilometres on a single battery charge. What's more, they are setting a new standard in terms of safety and comfort.
In 2018, DAF Trucks was the first truck manufacturer in Europe to market a fully electric distribution truck. Since then, dozens of CF Electric tractors and rigids and LF Electric rigids have been put into service by leading transport operators in zero-emission applications across Europe. The trucks are used to supply supermarkets, shuttle containers and collect waste in urban areas.
With the New Generation DAF XD Electric and XF Electric, DAF is raising fully electric transport to a new level. Both innovative vehicle series are based on the multi-award-winning XD and XF series. They offer the same unrivalled quality, efficiency and safety combined with astounding driver comfort.
The new DAF XD Electric and DAF XF Electric are powered by efficient and reliable permanent magnet drive units: the PACCAR EX-D1 and PACCAR EX-D2, which offer outputs from 170 kW/230 hp to 350 kW/480 hp.
The drive units are extremely compact and consist of two separate electric motors and a central, integrated three-speed transmission. Planetary gear sets ensure that the correct gear ratio is selected at all times and that when used under partial load, if possible, only one of the two electric motors is activated for maximum efficiency. As soon as more power and/or torque is needed, for example during acceleration, driving in hilly terrain, or during regenerative braking, the second part of the drive unit is activated immediately and seamlessly. The compact solution with two planetary gear sets is also significantly lighter than a conventional transmission. This maximises the payload of the truck, while ensuring quick and extremely comfortable shifting.
The PACCAR EX-D1 drive unit is supplied in the DAF XD Electric for solo use with GVWs up to 29 tonnes. There are three power variants to choose from: 170 kW (230 hp), 220 kW (300 hp) and 270 kW (370 hp), each with a maximum torque of 1,500 Nm. The motors can be combined with two to five battery packs, with a gross capacity of 210 kWh to 525 kWh. The PACCAR EX-D1 drivelines are ideal for supplying shops and collecting containers and waste, for example. The maximum regenerative braking power for all PACCAR EX-D1 drivelines is 270 kW.
For more demanding applications, DAF offers the more powerful PACCAR EX-D2 electric motor. This is available in the XD and XF Electric and comes in 270 kW (370 hp), 310 kW (420 hp) and 350 kW (480 hp) variants. These drive units offer an impressive torque of 2,400 Nm and are suitable for GCWs up to 50 tonnes. The driveline is supplied with a minimum of three and a maximum of five battery packs with a gross capacity of 315 kWh to 525 kWh. The PACCAR EX-D2, with a regenerative braking power of 350 kW, is the optimum choice for heavier applications and longer-distance transport.
To optimally tailor the electric vehicles to the customer's needs and applications, DAF offers a comprehensive range of battery configurations with two to five packs. Ultimately, not every customer needs the maximum operating range of 500 zero-emission kilometres — certainly not when the truck travels a limited number of kilometres per day, returns to home base every evening and can be recharged there. This approach reduces vehicle weight and adds to payload capacity.
However, the option of five battery packs allows for more than 500 zero-emission kilometres on a single battery charge. With optimum vehicle and charge planning, the XD and XF Electric can, in practice, cover up to 1,000 fully electric kilometres per day, making them suitable for long distance transportation.
The impressive range is largely down to the highly efficient PACCAR EX-D1 and EX-D2 drivelines, in combination with DAF's smart battery management system, which distributes the energy stored in the battery across the driveline and other components for maximum efficiency.
The extremely aerodynamic design of the trucks is also an important factor in their excellent energy efficiency and operating range. The aerodynamic and tapered design of the cab, with its rounded corners and windscreen, and lack of seams and panel gaps, ensures the least possible wind resistance, which translates directly into the lowest possible energy consumption. The side skirts, deflectors, collars and aerodynamic bottom plate under the cab also play a role, as do the digital cameras that replace the mirrors.
Rutger Kerstiens
Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +31 (0)40 214 2874
E-mail: [email protected]
