DAF is expanding its production facilities with an Electric Truck Assembly in Eindhoven. In this new assembly plant, production of the New Generation DAF XD and XF Electric will start this spring. These fully electric vehicles offer a driving range of more than 500 'emission-free' kilometres. With this, DAF is taking an important step towards even cleaner road transport.
This spring, the first DAF XD and XF Electric trucks will come off the line. The company expects production to rise to several thousand vehicles per year in the coming years. This is in line with increasing market demand for all-electric trucks.
4×2 and 6×2 rigids and 4×2 tractors
The basis for every new-generation electric DAF truck is a so-called glider. This is a chassis without driveline but with cab. The production of such a glider takes place in DAF's regular truck factory. On the production line of the Electric Truck Assembly, the 4×2 and 6×2 rigids and 4×2 tractors are then finished in eight stages to become XD and XF Electric trucks.
Two assembly lines
The new plant actually has two assembly lines. On the sub-assembly line, battery packs are assembled. The assembly of all high-voltage components to the chassis including batteries and powertrain takes place on the main line. At the latter stations, there are extensive checks to ensure that the truck functions perfectly.
Bespoke electric trucks
The XD and XF Electric are fully customised. That way, they can optimally meet the customer's requirements. The PACCAR electric drivelines are therefore modular. Not only are two PACCAR EX engines (with six different power ratings) available. The battery packs can also be fitted to the chassis in different places according to customer wishes.
DAF XD and XF Electric
DAF presented the first all-electric vehicles in September 2022 at the IAA fair in Hanover. The all-electric PACCAR powertrains deliver outputs from 170 to 350 kW (210 to 480 hp). DAF also offers a wide choice of battery packs. The smallest (210 kWh) has two 'strings'. This gives a driving range of up to about 200 kilometres. The largest package has five 'strings' (525 kWh) and is good for a driving range of more than 500 kilometres. The electric trucks are naturally suitable for fast charging. The charging time of the largest battery pack is just over 45 minutes to charge it from 0% to 80%.
'International Truck of the Year'
The all-new DAF XD sets the benchmark in the distribution segment due to its safety, efficiency and driver comfort. The DAF XD series therefore won the title 'International Truck of the Year 2023'. In doing so, this series follows in the footsteps of the DAF XF, XG and XG+, which were previously awarded the title 'International Truck of the Year 2022'. The unique DNA of the XD, XF, XG and XG⁺ is reflected 1-to-1 in the XD Electric and XF Electric.
Source and photo: Daf Trucks
Photo: The brand new Electric Truck Assembly stands on the premises of DAF Trucks in Eindhoven. The realisation of this factory for electric trucks was completed in a year and a half (Photo: Daf Trucks)
