Awarded for efficiency, safety and driver orientation
DAF electric trucks of the new generation XD and XF received the title “International Truck of the Year 2026”. DAF Trucks President Harald Seidel received the most prestigious award in the trucking industry during an awards ceremony at the Solutrans exhibition in Lyon, France. This is DAF’s third win in the last five years, after the new-generation XF/XG/XG+ and XD models won International Truck of the Year in 2022 and 2023.
According to the rules of the International Truck of the Year organization, the title is awarded annually to the vehicle presented during the previous 12 months that has made the greatest contribution to improving the efficiency of road transport. The evaluation covers a range of criteria, including technological innovation, comfort, safety, drivability, energy efficiency, environmental performance and total cost of ownership.
Award for exceptional performance
A jury of 23 leading commercial transport journalists from across Europe praised the DAF XD and XF series of electric trucks for their outstanding energy efficiency, refined yet powerful powertrain and innovative technical architecture. In addition, the award-winning models were noted for their long range, advantages of LFP battery technology and high comfort for the driver.
“During long test drives, the jury members noted the excellence of the XD and XF Electric’s power lines and almost imperceptible gear changes. The vehicle’s modular concept, offering a wide choice of battery and axle configurations, provides operators with exceptional flexibility,” commented Florian Engel, chairman of the International Truck of the Year jury. “With the new XD and XF Electric, DAF Trucks demonstrates that the combination of a central electric motor and a traditional rear axle can be just as energy efficient as a powertrain with an electric axle. Moreover, this configuration of the DAF ensures ideal weight distribution, allowing to cover almost all usage scenarios based on a single technical platform.”
Zero-emission range of over 500 kilometers
The XD and XF electric trucks are equipped with PACCAR’s advanced EX-D1 and EX-D2 electric motors, delivering power from 170 kW (230 hp) to 350 kW (480 hp). With modular battery packs ranging from 210 to 525 kWh, the tractors and chassis in 4×2 and 6×2 configurations offer an emission-free range of more than 500 km on a single charge, and even more than 1,000 km per day with optimal charging planning.
The DAF XD and XF electric trucks are designed for urban and regional transport, as well as for long-distance transport, combining excellent aerodynamics with a low cab position, an ultra-low window line and innovative digital cameras for the highest level of safety and visibility.
“Moment of pride”
“Winning the International Truck of the Year 2026 with our XD and XF Electric is a proud moment for everyone at DAF,” said DAF President Harald Seidel. “This recognition underscores our commitment to developing a zero-emissions future of transportation through innovation, quality and sustainability. We are pleased that a jury consisting of leading commercial transport journalists recognized the efficiency, safety and exceptional comfort of our trucks. Receiving the most prestigious award in the trucking industry is another confirmation of the hard work of the entire DAF team to create top-class products and services for our customers.”
