The DAF CF Electric was awarded the prestigious Green Truck Logistics Solution 2019 at the recent Transport Trade Fair in Munich, Germany. The DAF CF 450 also received a nomination due to its low fuel consumption of only 23.3 litres per 100 km (12.12mpg).
Logistics network Contargo was also rewarded for deploying the DAF CFs into its operation in Germany. The fully electric vehicles which collect and deliver containers at the inland port of Duisburg, are part of the drive to test new technologies with the aim of providing resource-efficient logistics. Using electric vehicles is not something Contargo are doing for the benefit of its media profile; the company spent two years analysing whether electric vehicles are commercially viable in their business before going ahead with their decision to take on the DAF CF Electric.
In tests run for the award by Germany’s leading truck news publications, VerkehrsRunschau and TRUCKER, the DAF CF Electric reduced carbon emissions by 38%, even when using only electricity sourced from the usual grey-and-green energy mix. The plan for Contargo is to switch to green electricity at all the terminals it uses which, according to Jan Burgdorf, Head of Testing and Technology at VerkehrsRundschau and TRUCKER, could decrease CO2 emissions well-to-wheel by almost 90%.
Contargo is a subsidiary of Rhenus Logistics and joined the field testing of DAF electric vehicles in May this year when they took delivery of two DAF CF Electric trucks. Speaking about joining the field tests, Jurgen Albersmann, Managing Director at Contargo, said “One of our targets is to be de-carbonised by 2050. These trucks represent one important step towards that ambitious target.
The electric vehicles are just part of the ongoing commitment from DAF to reduce carbon emissions and provide the best vehicles in terms of fuel economy, reliability and driver comfort. Speaking at last year’s IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hannover where the new range of DAF Innovation Electric vehicles were showcased, Richard Zink, Director Marketing & Sales, and member of the Board of Management of DAF Trucks said “DAF has always provided and always will provide a complete range of excellent trucks that offer the industry’s lowest operating costs, best transport efficiency and highest driver comfort. We are building on a rich, 90 year heritage that has resulted in our market leading position. Our strong capabilities will enable us to create trucks and power trains which lead us into the future.”
There are 3 types of DAF electric vehicles currently being field tested: the CF & LF Electric Innovation Trucks and the DAF CF Hybrid Innovation Truck.
The DAF CF Electric first went in to field tests with Dutch supermarket chain Jumbo back in December 2018. Speaking of the reasons for taking part in the long term field trials Jumbo CEO Frits van Eerd said “Introducing this new electric truck is the next step towards our goal of implementing a sustainable strategy for our vehicle fleet. By 2020 we hope to have reduced our CO2 emissions from Jumbo’s vehicle fleet by 50% compared to 2008.”
Hot on the heels of the Jumbo field test, the CF Electric also went in to operation at Tinie Manders Transport in Geldrop in the Netherlands. The DAF Electric CF is attached to a fully electric refrigerated trailer and joins a fleet of 50 vehicles in the family run business. Speaking of their involvement with the field tests Eveline Manders said, “We have been involved from the outset and we are curious to see the results in practice. Zero emissions combined with the minimal noise levels of the truck will allow us to meet the increasingly stringent legal requirements for inner city transport. ”
In March 2019 the DAF CF Hybrid joined the field testing when Dutch supermarket chain Albert Heijn took delivery of three DAF CF electrics and two DAF CF hybrids. Albert Heijn has more than 1000 supermarkets across Holland, Belgium and Germany. The CF Electrics are initially being limited to journeys between the distribution centre in Zaandam and supermarkets in Amsterdam, with the hybrids supplying stores further away from Zaandam without any emissions.
The large scale testing of electric vehicles will allow data to be collected and analysed in terms of both technology and operational aspects. The results will guide the final production models. Richard Zink said “Electric trucks will be part of future urban life in Europe. The data we collect about electric vehicle technology and operational usage with our test partners will be engineered into the specifications of the final production models, ensuring that the vehicles will seamlessly satisfy the market’s needs.”
For more information on any DAF model, please contact Watts Truck & Van’s Truck Sales Team:
*Newport – Kristian Seddon 07810 157060
*Swansea – Gareth Rees 07967 589105
*Cardiff – Ben Adams 07966 007362
