Daf LF Electric trucks begin public sector trial

A fleet of 20 Daf LF Electric trucks have entered service with a range of public bodies as part of the Battery Electric Truck Trial (BETT).

The trucks are now entering day-to-day operations with local authorities and the NHS, while at the same time gathering real-time data; the results from which will be used in an interactive website to inform future fleet operator buying decisions.

The Department for Transport (DfT) funded project is expected to make a significant and positive impact upon the move to zero emission vehicles.  

One of the key operators partnering the BETT is NHS Supply Chain which, supported by Prohire in the provision of financing and maintenance services as part of the arrangements, is due to deploy eight Daf LF Electric rigids with refrigerated bodies at several of its locations around the country.

A further five vehicles are destined for local NHS Trusts, while the remaining seven are earmarked for service with two Local Authority Framework Organisations in school supply operations and Local Councils for use in recycling and general logistic uses.

Bodywork includes PACCAR box bodies designed and manufactured by Daf Trucks, and also temperature-controlled bodies supplied by Gray & Adams.

The project will use 14 PACCAR battery-charging units stationed at 13 operator locations, with capacities ranging from 22kW to 180kW to suit differing operational needs and to provide a broad range of data.

The BETT is valued at £10 million and focuses on an end-to-end solution, covering vehicles, charging infrastructure, user training, repair and maintenance and total-cost-of- ownership, providing operational insight across a variety of duty cycles.

Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said: “Demonstrating the high performance of battery electric technology in demanding, real world environments is critical to ensuring confidence continues to build within the industry around the future of zero emission trucks.

“I’m excited to see more British built green trucks take to our roads with the support of the Government’s £20m zero emission road freight trials. This demonstration will help us understand the full benefits of this new technology as we power up the electric revolution across the UK and boost green jobs in our towns and villages.”