United Kingdom
Logistics Transport in the United Kingdom
The pilot, operated by DAF UK, is testing two 19-ton DAF XB electric trucks with a 282kWh installed capacity over 6 months in the daily operations of the logistics company Turners of Soham. The pilot, which started in March 2026, provides data regarding operational variables and the impact that they have on vehicle performance, such as driving style, vehicle load weight, geographical topography, temperature and other parameters.
Key Objectives of the Pilot Project
Demonstrate 200km+ range with upgraded battery, higher power and energy density cell chemistry.
Integrate adaptive powertrain control / eco-driving strategy development
10% efficiency improvement
Load capacity; not less than 90% of the current vehicle
Digital Twin
Cloud-connected VCU to provide real-time vehicle-level data for validation and optimisation of digital twin model
Advanced fleet management tools; mission profiling, load management, charge management, vehicle diagnostics and battery prognostics capability via digital twin
Demonstration of fast charging concepts; DC charging capability
A new phase of real-world testing is now underway
The two pilot trucks started operation in March 2026 and will operate until the end of the project in September 2026.
Both trucks are the first electric trucks into the fleet of Turners, and their operating depots (Matthew Kibbles Transport & Shakespeare Transport).
“We are keen to explore the key factors to accelerating adoption to electric HGVs, and are fully focused on supporting efforts to accelerate this adoption”
Louis Jones, Pilot Leader
EV & Connected Services Director, DAF Trucks
NextETRUCK Innovations
Electric powertrain-based lightweight and modular platform that leads to reduction of TCO
DC overnight charging infrastructure and strategy
Digital Twin
Powertrain Enhancements & better system efficiency
Collaborating Partners and Defined Roles
Vehicle Operator
(via 2 fleets within the Turners group – Matthew Kibbles Transport & Shakespeare Transport)
Overview of the DAF UK Electric Truck
DAF has upgraded its existing 19t DAF Electric LF to the new 19t DAF Electric XB, bringing the vehicle in line with DAF’s New Generation range.
Other Specs
- DAF Electric XB 19t
- 6.25m wheelbase
- 282kWh Battery (88% usable)
- 150kW DC and 22kW AC charging
- Curtainsider body
- 190kW eMotor
- ADAS systems – including lane departure warning, side & turn assist, drowsiness detection
- PACCAR Connect
- 8 year battery warranty
- 1.5t Tuckunder taillift
Charging Specs
Charging requirements: AC charging up to 22kW & DC charging up to 150kW
Charging infrastructure: 40kW PACMobile Charger
Daily operational routes will vary, while the geographical scope will remain North-West England, including dense urban areas with significant commercial activity, such as Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds. The two trucks drive XYZ km daily, while being charged at the depot/logistics hub.