DAF Trucks and VDL Groep Partner On A Fully Electric Class 8 Truck

The competition in electric class 8 trucks is quickly heating up in response to Tesla’s Semi reveal last year. This time, DAF Trucks has revealed its new CF Electric class 8 truck that it developed in partnership with VDL Groep.

The Eco-friendly truck boasts a 100 kilometer range with fast charging, and has a quick charge feature in just 30 minutes in order to recharge while being loaded or unloaded. A full charge of its 170kWh battery pack takes a bit longer at 1.5 hours, which is still extremely rapid, considering how massive the battery is.

The first round of CF Electric trucks will be delivered to key customers this year in a 4×2 tractor configuration developed for up to 40 ton distribution applications within urban areas in which single or double axle semi-trailers are the standard.

“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 has proven itself as not just a builder of large electric vehicles through its years of experience with buses but also as a robust partner for DAF as it dives into fully electric powertrains for its trucks.

“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.”

Category: General Update, Green, News