DAF Trucks has started the delivery of its zero emission LF Electric distribution trucks for urban applications. The first DAF LF Electric is destined for the Dutch logistics service provider Nabuurs, which will use the truck to supply the catering establishments of Bierbrouwerij AB InBev in Groningen. In 2018, DAF was the first European truck manufacturer to market a fully electric truck: the CF Electric. This vehicle offers a fully electric range of about 200 kilometers. By smart planning and charging (the batteries), these EV trucks cover up to 500 fully electric kilometers per day for customers.
LF Electric for distribution transport
Where the CF Electric focuses on, for example, regional supplies to supermarkets and the collection of household waste, the LF Electric is ideally suited for lighter distribution tasks due to its more compact dimensions. The LF Electric is available as a 19-tonne rigid (wheelbase of 5,30 or 5,85 metres) for a gross payload of 11.700 kilos.
Charge once a day
The zero emission truck has a 260 kW (370 kW peak power) electric motor, which is powered by a sustainable cobalt- and magnesium-free lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery of 282 kWh (252 kWh effective). This gives the LF Electric a range of up to 280 kilometres, more than sufficient for daily use on the routes that are common in urban distribution.
Slow and fast charging
A special feature of the DAF LF Electric is the 'Combined Charging System'. This allows the battery with slow charging (400V AC, 22 kW, 3 phases) to be charged from 6,5% to 20% in 80 hours. A full charge (0% to 100%) takes up to 12 hours. Fast charging (650V DC, 150 kW) is also possible. The battery is then charged from 60% to 20% in just 80 minutes – or from completely empty to completely full in 2 hours.
Neighbor
Nabuurs was founded in 1962 and is specialized in supplying shops, supermarkets and catering. The company from Haps has 20 branches throughout the Netherlands and offers integrated logistics solutions. The fleet of the family business consists of 350 trucks. Nabuurs has about 1.000 employees.
Gain experience
The commissioning of the LF Electric serves two purposes for Nabuurs, says Dolf Hubertus, fleet manager at the logistics service provider. “The Groningen city council is speeding up with 'zero emission city logistics'. With the DAF LF Electric, we are ready for the city's ambitions. At the same time, as a company, we want to gain experience with electric driving: what does that mean for planning, for example?”
Fast and slow charging
The fact that the LF Electric can be charged both quickly and slowly is a huge plus for Nabuurs, says Hubertus. “We don't have to invest in expensive DC charging facilities yet. At the end of the day, the vehicle can be charged with a regular 22 kWh charger and is ready for use again the next morning.”
Beer brand Bud 100% renewable electricity
The first LF Electric delivered will be used to supply the catering industry in Groningen. Nabuurs is doing this on behalf of AB InBev beer brewery, which also uses the LF Electric to reduce the CO2wants to reduce emissions from its transport chain, according to DAF.
“Our ambition is to be completely 'Net Zero' worldwide by 2040. CO2 reduction in transport is an important pillar. Bud is brewed with 100 percent renewable electricity and from now on also fully electric to the hospitality industry in the city of Groningen.”
Photo above: DAF image bank.
