DAF » CF Electric

The Dutch manufacturer DAF electrifies its series CF trucks in cooperation with VDL Bus & Coach. A first small series of the DAF CF Electric will go into operation later in 2018.

DAF CF Electric is a 9.7-tonne tractor designed to use in urban areas in combinations with GVW up to 40 tonnes. The electric truck is powered by a 210 kW electric motor, which draws its energy from a lithium-ion battery with a total capacity of 170 kWh. DAF estimates the range to be 100 kilometers, the fast charge will take only 30 minutes. Within 1.5 hours, the battery should be recharged completely.

Originally, the CF Electric should already be presented in mid-2017. But due to the large order quantities for electric buses, the project was postponed. Both partners want to take advantage of the fact that electric buses and electric trucks are based on many similar parts in the drive system.

According to President Preston Feight, DAF already has some experience in the field of electrification thanks to the production of hybrid trucks and the development of hybrid and electric powertrains. Added to this is VDL's know-how in the e-bus industry. "Working together with DAF on this electric truck is an exciting development and represents a tremendous opportunity for two Eindhoven-based technology companies to lead the e-utility vehicle world," says VDL President Willem van der Leegte.