DAF begins electric CF field tests

DAF has launched the first trials of its all-electric CF tractor unit, which has gone into service with Dutch supermarket chain, Jumbo.

The CF Electric, which is a joint venture between DAF and technology firm VDL Group, is a 4×2 tractor unit developed for road haulage at up to 37-tonnes in urban areas. The vehicle is based on the DAF CF and is electrically operated using VDL’s E-Power Technology, with a 210kW electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 170 kWh. It has a range of approximately 100 kilometres and has a 30-minute quick-charge feature, while a full charge takes 1.5 hours.

The field trial vehicle will be used by Jumbo to supply its supermarkets in the south of the Netherlands.

“The transport sector is about to undergo a major transformation,” said Harry Wolters, DAF Trucks President. “Electric trucks look set to become the norm for deliveries in urban areas. Not today and not next year, but definitely within the foreseeable future.

“I am particularly proud that [this] marks the beginning of a large-scale field testing project that will see DAF working in collaboration with VDL and Jumbo. This project will allow us to gather useful data and experience in relation to both the technology and the operational aspects. We can then use our findings to ensure that the final series-production model provides the ideal solution to future market requirements.”

“Introducing this new electric truck is the next step towards our goal of implementing a sustainable strategy for our vehicle fleet”, said Frits van Eerd, CEO of Jumbo. “Our business puts us right at the heart of the community, and our ultimate goal is to be using electric vehicles to supply 45 per cent of our shops. By 2020, we hope to have reduced CO2emissions from Jumbo’s vehicle fleet by 50 per cent compared with 2008.”

A charging station for the truck has been installed at the Jumbo distribution centre in Veghel, in the Southern Netherlands.