INNOVATIVE DAF CF ELECTRIC BECAME THE WINNER OF THE GREEN TRUCK AWARD

Two fully electric DAF trucks owned by Rhenus – a subsidiary of Contargo, participating in large-scale operational tests of trucks in European countries – became the first CF Electric models on German roads. DAF CF Electric is an electric tractor with a 4×2 wheel formula, designed for operation with a total permissible weight of up to 37 tons in cities where one- or two-axle semi-trailers are the norm. The car is built on the basis of the DAF CF model and is equipped with a fully electric drive with VDL E-Power technology. At the heart of the innovative power transmission is an electric motor with a capacity of 210 kW/286 hp, powered by a set of lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 170 kW/h. The range of the CF Electric is up to 100 km (depending on the weight of the transported cargo). Thus, this model is the optimal means of transportation for the transportation of bulky goods without the emission of harmful substances within the city limits. Quick recharging of batteries takes 30 minutes, and charging to full level takes only 1.5 hours. 

An award-worthy concept 

“When choosing the winners of the Green Truck Awards, priority was given to concepts that can demonstrate real practical benefits,” explains Gerhard Grünig, editor-in-chief of VerkehrsRundschau and TRUCKER magazines. “The members of the jury were impressed by the fact that Contargo, in purchasing two DAF CF Electric trucks, not only saw them as a front-end project aimed at improving the image, but also carried out two years of preparation and a scrupulous analysis of the commercial feasibility of using electric vehicles to carry out transportation in the 44 metric ton gross vehicle segment.”  

Perfectly meets market requirements 

Richard Zink, Director of Marketing and Sales, Board Member of DAF Trucks, adds: “In the future, electric trucks will become part of everyday life in European cities. Information about electric drive technologies and tests in real conditions with the support of such leading companies as Contargo will help us to improve the technical characteristics of serial models and ensure full compliance of our products with the needs of the market.”

Contargo plans to completely reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. 

Sascha Hähnke, managing director of Rhenus Trucking, emphasizes this goal. “Together with Contargo, we are going to deliver a fundamentally new vector of development, introducing innovations that are not used by any transport company. Electric models of DAF Trucks are part of the first fleet of electric trucks in Germany. Such a step allows us to demonstrate that this technology has a future in various fields,” Mr. Hank notes. Michael Viefers, CEO of Rhenus, adds: “Rhenus is very enthusiastic about testing new technologies that provide more economical logistics. We are always open to innovative solutions, our goal is to continuously improve and increase the environmental friendliness of our fleet of equipment, creating additional benefits for customers.” 

“The possibility of reducing CO emissions₂almost 90%”

When choosing candidates for the award, great importance was attached to the consideration of confirmed calculations. According to the results of such calculations, the use of DAF CF Electric trucks allows reducing carbon dioxide emissions by at least 38% when using any electricity: obtained from environmentally friendly or non-renewable sources. “Contargo plans to completely convert its terminals to environmentally friendly electricity,” adds Jan Burgdorf, head of testing and technology at VerkehrsRundschau and TRUCKER. “Thanks to this, CO emissions₂ within the framework of a full cycle, it can be reduced by almost 90%.” 

DAF CF 450 also got on the Green Truck podium 

In addition to the DAF CF Electric, another laureate of the Green Truck 2019 award was the DAF CF 450 model. On the Trucker magazine test route, this truck showed a very low level of fuel consumption – only 23.39 l per 100 km – which once again confirms the DAF company’s desire to create the most economical diesel engines for long-distance transportation.

The photo

From left to right: Gerhard Grünig, editor-in-chief of VerkehrsRundschau and TRUCKER presents the Green Truck Logistic Solutions Award to Heinrich Kerstgens, CEO of Contargo, and Max Franz, representative of DAF Trucks Deutschland. Right: Jan Burgdorf, editor of TRUCKER and Verkehrs-Rundschau.