DAF electric truck plant opens

DAF has cut the ribbon on a new production facility for electric trucks, with the plant officially opened recently within the truck maker’s main production site in the Netherlands.

With a footprint of 5000 square metres, the new DAF Electric Truck Assembly plant comprises two sub-assembly lines for the preparation of battery packs and Electric Drive Modules, the latter entailing the front battery pack, high-voltage junction box and electrified auxiliaries.

Along with the electric motor and integrated gearbox, these components are then installed on the main assembly line, which is nearly 150m in length.

DAF says the plant will commence series production of the DAF XD Electric and DAF XF Electric in the middle of this year, with both models to be available in a range of configurations.

With PACCAR e-Motors and battery packs with capacities spanning 210kWh to 525kWh, full electric ranges of up to 500km are possible, says DAF, with a 1000km ‘zero emission’ range possible through careful route planning and recharging.

DAF says that with fast charging capability of up to 350kW, battery packs can be recharged to 80 per cent of their capacity in 45 minutes.

DAF says it expects production to soon ramp up to thousands of electric trucks per annum, in line with increasing demand for fully electric vehicles.

The new facility was officially opened recently by Micky Adriaansens, the Netherland’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. “DAF has been a leading player in the manufacture of trucks for many years and is currently playing a prominent and innovative role in the development of electric trucks,” she said.

“The transition to cleaner products and production methods is important. Not only for the environment but also to ensure that the Netherlands retains its competitive edge. This new factory for battery electric trucks is a shining example of that ambition.”

According to DAF Trucks’ President, Harald Seidel, DAF’s electric trucks will be supported by an entire eco-system of related customer backup. “The commissioning of the new DAF Electric Truck Assembly plant represents another important milestone on the road to an even cleaner future,” he said.

“To support our customers in the transition to zero-emission road transport, we go further than delivering class-leading full electric vehicles. Our comprehensive package includes a broad range of charging solutions, advice on planning of routes and charging, and the provision of dedicated training for drivers to get the best out of the vehicles.”