Customer First Technologies
“DAF has a strong history of developing innovative solutions to meet the evolving
needs of our customers and we will continue to provide them the full complement of
appropriate technology choices to ensure their success”, stated Preston Feight, DAF
Trucks president. “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 Groep: leader in commercial vehicle electrification
For the CF Electric, DAF is partnering with VDL Groep, also based in Eindhoven, The
Netherlands. VDL is a technology leading company with substantial experience in
commercial vehicle electrification, especially in the field of public transport buses.
“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”, said Willem van der Leegte, president of VDL Groep. “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.”
Driving zero emission in city distribution
The CF Electric is a 4×2 tractor unit developed for up to 40 ton distribution
applications 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 E-Power Technology for fully electric operation. The
center of the intelligent powertrain is the 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 kilometers which is appropriate for high
volume distribution applications. Quick charging of the batteries can be executed in
30 minutes or a complete full charge can be accomplished in as little as 1.5 hours.
