DAF Trucks has started testing the hybrid CF Hybrid car in real operating conditions to collect data on its daily use. Dutch transport operator Peter Appel has commissioned two innovative hybrid trucks to supply supermarkets in the central region of the Netherlands. The DAF CF Hybrid uses only an electric drive within the city limits and an ecological diesel engine outside the city limits. The innovative truck combines the best of both worlds: it provides “zero emissions” in residential areas, as well as a large range and flexible operation in intercity transportation.
The innovative DAF CF hybrid trucks are equipped with a highly efficient PACCAR MX-11 diesel engine with a volume of 10.8 l (330 kW / 450 hp), a ZF electric motor (75 kW / 100 hp, peak power: 130 kW / 175 hp) and a special ZF TraXon gearbox for hybrid power units.
Charging while driving or at a charging station
The electric motor receives energy from a battery pack with a capacity of 85 kWh, which is charged during the operation of the diesel engine. When a diesel engine is used, the electric motor works as a generator and transfers energy to the battery pack. In the future, it will also be possible to charge the battery at a (fast) charging station.
With a full battery charge, the DAF CF Hybrid – depending on the total weight of the train – has a range of 30 to 50 kilometers from the electric motor. This is more than enough to drive into and out of the city without emitting any tailpipe emissions.
Intelligent management of energy consumption
Outside of cities, CF Hybrid vehicles use the environmentally friendly and efficient PACCAR MX-11 diesel engine, which provides the possibility of long-distance transportation. In addition, the hybrid technology allows you to save more on fuel thanks to the intelligent management of energy consumption. The energy generated by the engine brake, as well as the hill speed control system, is used by the electric motor to support the diesel engine. This is beneficial both in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Can be used for long trips
“Together with our customer Albert Heijn, we are constantly looking for ways to reduce CO2 emissions,” says Marcel Pater, manager of Peter Appel Transport’s large fleet of 680 trucks. “Electric vehicles are ideal for urban transportation, but hybrid technology is better for longer routes. In the city, the DAF CF Hybrid works entirely on electric drive, and outside the city, the diesel engine allows the new vehicle to confidently transport goods to various distribution centers in the territory of the Netherlands and abroad”.
Daily use by customers
As we strive to improve the environmental situation in the future, DAF understands that it is not possible to ensure compliance with the entire wide range of transport requirements with the help of only one technological solution, – comments Ron Borsboom, executive director of the division of product development. – That is why we feel different technologies. A fully electric drive will be a good alternative for urban delivery. Eco-friendly diesel engines are an excellent option for long-distance transportation, partly due to the emergence of new types of fuel. In the long term, we are also looking at the possibility of using hydrogen. During operational tests of the CF Hybrid, we want to evaluate not only the performance of the combination of electric and diesel drive, but also the convenience of the new cars from the point of view of their daily use by our customers.”
