New DAF CF Electric for Irish market

Orders for right-hand-drive emission-free DAF CF Electric now being taken 

Following queries stemming from Ireland relating to DAF Trucks introducing its CF Electric truck in right-hand drive form, DAF Trucks NV at its HQ in The Netherlands has stated that Irish customers will be served once series production begins towards the end of March 2021.

With successful in-service trials with operators in Germany and the Netherlands, the new CF Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) offers full-electric, emissions-free operation on 4×2 tractor and 6×2 rigid models. The DAF CF Electric series was a finalist in the recent ITOY Truck Innovation Awards programme.

Equipped with the latest generation LFP (Lithium Ferro (iron) Phosphate) battery technology the CF Electric delivers significant operational benefits over its previous battery pack installation, including a single-charge range of up to 220km and an impressive weight reduction of 700kg. The new battery pack delivers 350kWh (315kWh effective capacity) and is capable of full recharge in 75-minutes when connected to a 250kW charging station. Incorporating a full recharge into a drivers’ mandatory break will likely provide the CF Electric with full-day operational capability on urban distribution work.

The DAF CF Electric made its UK & Ireland debut at the 2019 CV Show, where a 4×2 tractor unit was exhibited on loan from Dutch operator, Simon Loos. The BEV has gone on to deliver hugely successful trials with, among others, supermarket chains Albert Heijn and Jumbo. Trials of the CF Electric tractor unit elsewhere in the Netherlands, and in Germany, have now confirmed DAF’s BEV credentials regarding safety, reliability and productivity. A number of CF Electric 6×2 rigids fitted with refuse collection bodies have also been operating in the Netherlands, and proving ideally suited to waste collection duties. The 6×2 rigid chassis is, of course, also aimed squarely at the urban distribution sector.

Fundamentally, the DAF CF Electric offers a compelling proposition for organisations committed to improving air quality and addressing climate change. With the introduction of its BEV technology to the Irish market, DAF Trucks has demonstrated its willingness to partner operators with a tangible commitment to delivering using zero tailpipe emissions. The move is also part of a European roll-out of DAF BEVs with sales already underway in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium and now the UK, Ireland and France following suit.

The DAF CF Electric 6×2 rigid features DAF’s ‘FAN’ axle configuration comprising a steer, drive and lifting rear-steer tag-axle, with DAF’s latest Electro-Hydraulic Steering (EHS) system on the rearmost axle to assist manoeuvrability. The CF Electric 4×2 tractor unit at 37-tonnes GCW provides emissions-free solutions for a range of inter-urban truck-and-trailer applications, while the 6×2 rigid is expected to appeal primarily to waste collection and city distribution operations.

DAF Trucks is accompanying sales of the new CF Electric with a dedicated support programme to ensure operators maximise BEV efficiencies, including pre-sale advanced route simulation, and practical advice on ‘smart’ and efficient battery recharging.

DAF Trucks Ireland Managing Director, Simon Teevan, commented: “We’re very excited to be able to offer our customers the CF Electric next year. There is a large appetite amongst our customers to explore sustainable transport solutions and DAF is positioning itself as a leader in this field. The CF Electric is a vehicle which has already proved its success with operators in Europe, giving us real confidence that this product will add tremendous value to our customers in Ireland. The new vehicles tick all the boxes you expect of a DAF truck – outstanding safety, reliability and productivity – and all combined with the clear environmental benefits.”

DAF CF Electric | ‘FT’ tractor — Technical specifications

Chassis: 4×2

Wheelbase: 380cm

Weight tractor: 9,000 kg

Electric motor: 210 kW

Torque: 2000 Nm

Battery capacity: 350 kWh (315 effective capacity)
Range fully charged vehicle: up to 220 km
Quick charge batteries: 75 minutes (at 250 kW)

DAF CF Electric | ‘FAN’ rigid — Technical specifications

Chassis: 6×2, trailing axle

Wheelbase: 380/420/460/480cm

Weight rigid: 10,200 kg

Electric motor: 210 kW

Torque: 2,000 Nm

Battery capacity: 350 kWh (315 effective capacity)

Range fully charged vehicle: up to 220 km

Quick charge batteries: 75 minutes (at 250 kW)