DAF Trucks has welcomed funding from the Government and Innovate UK for the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme.

DAF XD Electric and XF Electric tractor units will form part of a 370-vehicle fleet comprised primarily of battery electric, plus some hydrogen-fuelled trucks. 

They will be rolled-out through four consortia made up of numerous stakeholders, each with responsibility to demonstrate higher weight/longer-distance zero emission operations and associated infrastructure.

The three consortia into which DAF Trucks will deliver XD and XF Electric models are headed-up by Gridserve, Project Zero Emission North and Voltempo.

Major operators involved in the programme include Maritime Transport, Marks & Spencer, Menzies, Royal Mail and Eddie Stobart.

The funding programme follows the conclusion of the recent Battery Electric Truck Trial (BETT), where 20 DAF LF Electric vehicles were in service with a range of public bodies including the National Health Service (NHS) and local authorities. The results from which are being used in an interactive website to inform operators’ buying decisions and to help stimulate the adoption of electric trucks.

Managing director at DAF Trucks in the UK, David Kiss (pictured), said: “The Government’s funding represents a significant opportunity to demonstrate and encourage the deployment of battery electric trucks in longer distance operations and at higher weights, whilst kick-starting the development of a charging network dedicated to trucks. 

“Our New Generation DAF XD Electric and XF Electric models are the ideal choice for fleets participating in the programme, with operational capabilities up to the maximum 42-tonne GCW allowed for zero emission five-axle combinations in the UK, an up to 500km single charge range, and with 325kW fast charging, even a 1000 km per day operation is possible.”

Describing the company’s product offering for the funding programme, DAF Trucks’ EV and sustainability manager, Adam Bennett, said: “We’re right behind the Government’s initiative.

“Our XD Electric and XF Electric trucks are the ideal solution for heavier, longer-distance operations and we’re confident the funding programme will highlight the benefits of DAF’s developments with our New Generation products.

“The New Generation DAF cab designs are bristling with active and passive safety systems to offer operators - a no-compromise specification.”