20 DAF LF Electric Trucks Involved In One Of The Largest, Most Significant Battery-Electric Deployments To Date
The UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) is funding a massive Battery Electric Truck Trial (BETT) project that recently began day-to-day operations with 20 DAF LF Electric vehicles. The 100% battery-electric trucks are part of an end-to-end trial factoring in user training, charging infrastructure, maintenance and repair, and cost analysis.
“Demonstrating the high performance of battery-electric technology in demanding, real-world environments is critical to ensuring confidence continues to build within the industry around the future of zero-emission trucks,” says Transport Minister Trudy Harrison. “I’m excited to see more British-built green trucks take to our roads with the support of the Government’s £20m zero-emission road freight trials. This demonstration will help us understand the full benefits of this new technology as we power up the electric revolution across the UK and boost green jobs in our towns and villages.”
Real-World Testing
Lancashire-based Leyland Trucks is supplying the 19-tonne (21-U.S.-ton) DAF LF Electric rigids, and BETT will use 14 PACCAR battery-electric charging units that range from 22 to 180 kilowatts to analyze charging across different operational applications. The DAF LF Electric trucks are working at various operations around the country, undertaking various real-world tasks. Eight DAF Electric rigids, for instance, feature refrigerated bodies and are entering the NHS Supply Chain fleet at locations through the UK. Five others are heading to local NHS Trusts. The remaining trucks are joining various Local Authorities to take on recycling duties and make deliveries to schools.
“We’re working closely with our project partners in order to collect the most accurate data possible,” says Leyland Trucks Principal Engineer Rob Lawton. “Electrification is becoming a major consideration for operators, and it’s crucial they’re able to scrutinise reliable evidence before investing in this relatively new technology. We’re also very proud to be part of this project and having been given the opportunity to showcase our engineering and technological expertise.”
The DAF LF Electric
DAF’s LF Electric is currently available as a 19-t GVW rigid applicable to urban, multi-drop, and local distribution as well as vocational applications. The LF Electric has a range of up to 280 kilometres (174 miles), features a body and payload allowance of 11.7 t (12.8 U.S. t), and is available with 5.3- or 5.85-metre (17.4- or 19.2-foot) wheelbases. There’s also a Smart e-PTO option to support equipment for refrigeration, waste collection, and other jobs.
Using one of its many quick-charging options—a 650-volt, 150-kW PACCAR DC charger installed on-site—the LF Electric can recharge from 20% to 80% in one hour and from 0% to 80% in two hours. With its onboard charger connected to a three-phase mains source, the truck can recharge from 20% to 80% in 6.5 hours and from 0% to 100% in 12 hours, according to DAF.
The LF Electric’s motor is rated for 260 kW of power and 370 kW of peak power (349 horsepower and 496 peak HP). A cobalt-free lithium, ferro (iron), and phosphate (LFP) battery pack provides the motor with 282 kilowatt-hours of power (252 kWh effective power).
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Source: DAF