Following its UK debut at ITT Hub in 2021, DAF Trucks’ New Generation DAF range-comprising XF, XG, and XG+ models– has picked up the prestigious International Truck of the Year Award 2022. This week sees market-leading DAF Trucks return to Farnborough with examples of its award-winning truck range plus a zero-emission LF Electric 19-tonner.
DAF Trucks’ stand was undeniably the main focus for ITT Hub show-goers last year with the first public outing in the UK for the company’s New Generation DAF range. DAF is the first manufacturer to take advantage of the EU’s new ‘masses and dimensions’ legislation; the result being three individual models offering improved fuel efficiency, safety, space, and comfort. The new rules have allowed DAF Trucks to fully focus on aerodynamics – helping significantly towards delivering an overall potential 10% fuel saving for operators whilst offering improved safety, especially for vulnerable road users by virtue of improved direct vision. The new streamlined, elongated cabs also offer increased space, which together with the refined interior and exceptional ride and handling, deliver superb levels of driver comfort.
HVO – dramatic CO2 reduction available now
New Generation DAF XF 450 FTP ADR/Pet Reg and XG 530 FT low-deck tractors unit will feature on DAF Trucks’ stand, while an XG 480 FTG 6×2 tractor – fully laden to 44-tonnes GCW – is available for driving evaluation on ITT Hub’s ride-and-drive route. The truck, which is equipped with PACCAR MX-13 12.9-litre engine, is fuelled by HVO (Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil); a drop-in alternative to diesel requiring no vehicle modifications and delivering a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions from well-to-wheel compared to regular diesel. DAF Trucks is seeing a steady pick-up of operators turning to this environmentally friendly fuel, with companies such as JSP hauliers seeing the benefits – see accompanying press material.
Zero-emissions – DAF LF Electric and CF Electric
Co-starring alongside the New Generation DAF at ITT Hub will be a zero-emission LF Electric, which also made its debut at ITT Hub last year alongside its CF Electric 37-tonne GVW 4×2 tractor stablemate. The CF Electric is also available, today, as a 27-tonne GVW 6×2 rigid, ideally suited as a refuse collection vehicle and for other urban distribution applications. The British-built 19-tonne GVW LF Electric, together with its PACCAR box-van body, is designed and manufactured at Leyland Trucks in Lancashire.
All charged up – PACCAR charging solutions
DAF’s LF Electric ITT Hub exhibit is also being showcased with a PACCAR charging unit; one of a range of static and mobile PACCAR charging solutions that are available from 20kW to 350kW to suit both AC and DC charging. Experts from DAF Trucks will be on-stand to explain how the market leader in delivering a comprehensive package of solutions to support the roll-out of its Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) into service, including service and parts, support, and dedicated BEV training for its DAF Technicians at UK DAF Dealer locations matched to customers’ area of operation.
Proving popular – DAF zero-emissions trucks
DAF Trucks’ latest zero-emissions LF Electric and CF Electric are now in service in multiple operations with over 30 vehicles on UK roads, including 20 LF Electric with the NHS Supply Chain and local authorities as part of the government-backed Battery Electric Truck Trial (see accompanying press material). Five CF Electric tractors have also been delivered to Amazon, while two CF Electrics are in operation with South Wales-based FSEW under contract with Tesco.
Elsewhere at ITT Hub, Solomon Commercials is also exhibiting a DAF LF Electric and showcasing its latest bodywork incorporating Frigoblock refrigeration equipment. Solomon’s DAF LF Electric is one of three LF Electric and one CF Electric demonstrator available within the DAF Dealer network, experiencing high demand and attracting positive feedback from high-profile fleet operators.