A DfT-funded electric truck trial will include 20 DAF LF Electrics, the company has confirmed.
The Battery Electric Truck Trial will involve a number of national public bodies.
For example, the NHS will run some of the DAF LF Electrics as part of the project.
In addition a number of local authorities have also signed up for BETT.
The trucks will enter typical operations and gather real-time data on running electric trucks.
As a result, the data will be used to help inform fleet operators about future purchasing decisions.
BETT comes as the targets for truck operators to move to electric power looms large.
Specifically, the sale of new non-zero emission trucks under 26-tonnes ends in 2035.
Meanwhile, for vehicles above that weight, the deadline is 2040.
Therefore, there is a push to get drivers thinking about trucks such as DAF LF Electrics.
One of the key operators partnering the BETT is NHS Supply Chain.
It will be supported by Prohire Ltd who will provide financing and maintenance services.
NHS Supply Chain will deploy eight DAF LF Electrics – all rigids with refrigerated bodies – around the country.
In other words, it will give national exposure of the trucks to the business.
Meanwhile, five of the vehicles are also destined for local NHS Trusts.
Finally, the remaining seven will go into service with two Local Authority Framework Organisations.
There, they will be responsible for school supply operations and local councils to use for recycling and general logistic uses.
As an aside, the bodywork includes PACCAR box bodies designed and manufactured by DAF Trucks.
Furthermore, the temperature-controlled bodies are supplied by Gray & Adams.
Lancashire-based Leyland Trucks – where the DAF LF Electrics are manufactured – is working with CENEX to create the interactive BETT report and website.
