Cardiff-based international freight forwarders Freight Systems Express Wales (FSEW) recently placed an order for two DAF CF Electric tractor units, marking the first order for battery-electric heavy tractor units in the UK. The order was completed at the ITT Hub exhibition and conference in Farnborough where DAF CF Electric and LF Electric trucks with right hand drive made their public debuts. Both models are now available for order throughout the UK.
“A Change Of Mindset”
The two DAF CF Electric trucks are the first step in FSEW’s plan to replace more than 40 diesel vehicles with low-carbon alternatives. The company plans to add 10 more vehicles in the next nine months to reduce carbon emissions by more than 50% and aims to be net-zero on carbon emissions in 2 1/2 years.
“It’s a change of mindset,” says FSEW Managing Director Geoff Tomlinson. “It’s a journey which began 2 1/2 years ago and one in which the whole business is engaged. If these trucks perform as they should—and we’re fully confident of that following the painstaking evaluation programme—then we’ll be in for another 10 DAF CFs.”
About The CF Electric
While new to the UK market, the CF Electric has undergone extensive testing of both tractor and rigid configurations with several European transport operations over the last three years. The 37-tonne (41-U.S.-ton) GCW tractor unit has a 4x2 chassis with a 3,800-millimetre wheelbase. The 210-kilowatt electric motor delivers 2,000 newton-metres (1,475 pounds-foot) of torque. The truck’s 350-kilowatt-hour battery has a fully charged range of up to 220 kilometres (137 miles) and a quick charge can be completed in 75 minutes at 250 kW. The CF Electric has three levels of regenerative braking controlled by a steering column stalk that produce energy that extends vehicle range and reduces brake wear.
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Source: DAF