A DAF XD Electric wearing colours inspired by the manufacturer’s 1996 racing truck will collect milk for Van Der Mierden Transport. The Dutch dairy haulier has taken delivery of the one-off tractor through DAF dealer Truckland.
DAF Netherlands specified the vehicle, which combines racing-inspired paintwork and striping with a battery-electric drivetrain. Underneath the livery sits an XD 350 FT 4×2 tractor unit, intended for everyday transport work.
The truck joins a family-owned business with more than 60 years’ experience in dairy transport. Its fleet consists almost entirely of DAF vehicles, alongside several special trucks that reflect the operator’s interest in individual specifications.
350kW driveline and 525kWh battery
The DAF XD Electric has a 350kW driveline, which the manufacturer quotes as approximately 480hp. A 525kWh battery system supplies the energy.
DAF says this specification can deliver more than 500km on a single charge, depending on the application. That is a manufacturer range claim, rather than a reported result from Van Der Mierden’s milk-collection routes.
The release does not provide the operator’s daily mileage, charging arrangements or energy consumption. It also gives no payload figure for the tractor and tanker combination.
The wider XD and XF Electric range uses lithium iron phosphate batteries, with modular configurations allowing operators to match capacity to their work. DAF offers battery installations from 210kWh to 525kWh across that range. DAF’s technical overview explains the drivetrain and battery options.
The two model ranges jointly won International Truck of the Year 2026. The award recognised their efficiency, drivetrain, battery technology and driver comfort. DAF’s award announcement confirms the result.
Racing heritage, working specification
Truckland says the company bought the truck during the Truckstar Festival at the TT Circuit in Assen. The original 1996 racing truck appeared alongside the electric interpretation at the event.
The specification extends beyond its paintwork. Equipment includes aluminium wheels, a leather interior, a premium sound system and an air-suspended front axle.
A window in the side door provides additional visibility. The truck also has preparation for a power take-off, although the supplied information does not describe an installed pumping system.
According to Truckland, 84-year-old Theo van der Mierden will drive the vehicle. The company has given it the nickname “Electric Race Theo”. The dealer identifies regional journeys, relatively low speeds and limited motorway distances as features of the intended milk-collection work. Truckland’s delivery report provides these additional details.
Electric transport for an established dairy business
Managing director Julian van der Mierden says the company became interested after hearing about the truck through Truckland. Its appearance appealed, but the business also wanted an electric vehicle suitable for regular operations.
“With this DAF, we demonstrate that sustainability, operational practicality and a distinctive design go hand in hand,” he says.
“We deliberately chose an innovative and sustainable electric solution that can be deployed directly in day-to-day operations. Like our customers, we care about nature and the future of the next generations.”
Van Der Mierden Transport began collecting milk churns from local farms using a horse and cart. Today, its work extends from fresh milk deliveries to processing plants through to other dairy transport.
The company carries dairy raw materials, semi-finished goods and finished products throughout the Netherlands and beyond. Its equipment includes insulated tank trailers.
The DAF XD Electric adds battery-powered milk collection to that operation. Its racing references may attract attention, but the intended workload remains the movement of dairy products between farms and the processing industry.
More Information:
For more like this visit the Trucking Magazine website, or subscribe to Trucking Magazine here.
