As one of the truck manufacturers on the EV Rally, DAF is ready to embrace any challenges they may face when charging on the public infrastructure. GREENFLEET chats with Phil Moon to find out how preparations are going and what vehicles they are bringing

We are delighted that DAF is returning to join us on the rally this year. What made you decide to get involved again?

How could we not? We had a brilliant time in 2023 and, perhaps more importantly, the event generated lots of on-line discussion on the topic of electrification in general and, more specifically for us, on electric trucks. 

Please tell us about Team DAF - who will be driving and in what vehicle?

We’ve decided to enter two vehicles this year. The first, an LF Electric, is an obvious choice of course. The one we are using is one that was part of the Battery Electric Truck Trial that ran for 18-months and involved 20 vehicles in total. Using this vehicle, that now has quite a few miles under its wheels, not only helps us highlight the valuable learnings from the trial, but also helps show that electric trucks can match their diesel equivalents for longevity. 

The second vehicle is a little less obvious, as its actually a van! DAF doesn’t produce a van, but our dealer network does rely on a massive fleet of vans to support our customers with roadside assistance and parts deliveries, and it’s a TRP Parts delivery electric van that we will be using. We wanted to show how DAF is not only designing and developing electric trucks, but is also adopting zero emission solutions across its entire business. 

Last year, DAF teamed up with CENEX to showcase the LF 19-tonne truck, which was being used in the Battery Electric Truck Trial (BETT). What were the highlights for you last year? And were there any challenges?

The highlight for me personally was driving the LF Electric through Ireland. We travelled through stunning scenery and saw some incredible sights. And of course, it was great to partner with CENEX and spend time with their team. The main concern, but also the thing that made it most interesting, was the challenge of planning and finding where to charge. We mainly had to charge the truck on car chargers and sometimes we didn’t know if there would be space for us when we arrived. As the event progressed, our confidence built as we found we could generally get plugged-in one way or another!

The Rally is over 1,400 miles and this year will be visiting towns and checkpoints from A to Z in alphabetical order. As you have completed the rally before, what learnings will you be bringing with you to help you with your strategy this year?

I don’t think we will change our strategy too much, which has been to charge up when the opportunity arises to access a fast charger. Although its tempting to drive to the maximum range, that feeds the range anxiety and means a long wait whilst the truck charges. A short charge gives a chance for a quick brew and a toilet stop and then you’re back on the road before you know it. 

What improvements do you hope to see in the public charging infrastructure for HGVs?

Although we don’t expect to see many more truck specific chargers, I’m hoping that it will be easier to identify those that are accessible for larger vehicles, so we can factor them into our plans and avoid blocking off the regular car chargers.  

Why are events like the EV Rally important for the freight & logistics industries?

There is lots of scepticism surrounding the move to electric trucks, and events like these, that generate lots of on-line discussion, serve to highlight what electric trucks are capable of, and also the challenges that operators might have to contend with. 

Please tell us about DAF's own sustainability plans and progress?

We are making good progress, although there is still a long way to go, before we can completely move over to zero emission trucks. The range of models we can offer has grown since last year, particularly with the introduction of our XB Electric at 12t, 16t and 19t GVW. We and our dealers are also investing heavily in preparing for more electric trucks, with chargers being installed, electric vehicle specialists being recruited and trained, and all the special tools and parts being made ready so we can support customers as they transition. 

We are also working with a number of the ZEHID (Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstration programme) consortia and expect to see a large number of DAF electric trucks enter service next year. Following on from the BETT, this Government funded initiative is designed to kick start the use of electric trucks in longer distance and heavier applications. Exciting times ahead!