DAF Trucks has delivered its first fully electric truck to Dutch supermarket chain Jumbo.

The CF Electric has been developed in a joint venture between DAF and VDL, and will be used by Jumbo to supply its supermarkets in the south of the Netherlands.

Delivery of the fully electric DAF commercial vehicle marks the start of a series of long-term field tests using both fully electric and hybrid trucks.

"The transport sector is about to undergo a major transformation," said Harry Wolters, president of DAF Trucks.

"Electric trucks look set to become the norm for deliveries in urban areas. Not today and not next year, but definitely within the foreseeable future. I am particularly proud that today marks the beginning of a large-scale field testing project that will see DAF working in collaboration with VDL and Jumbo.”

The project will allow the companies to gather data and experience in relation to both the technology and the operational aspects of the electric truck in order to refine a final production model.

The DAF CF Electric is capable of deliveries within a radius of about 30 miles, with a total range of approximately 60 miles. The battery has a 30-minute quick-charge feature and a full charge takes just 1.5 hours.

It was developed for road haulage at up to 37 tonnes in urban areas.