New Generation DAF XB city trucks

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【Summary】DAF Trucks has unveiled its New Generation DAF XB truck series, which includes a range of distribution and vocational vehicles from 7.5 to 19 tonnes. The series offers battery electric and conventionally powered options, with a focus on supporting the transition to zero emissions. The trucks feature low environmental impact, high efficiency, safety, and comfort. The XB Electric models have a range of up to 350 kilometers and can be charged from 20% to 80% in 40 to 70 minutes.

FutureCar Staff Aug 30, 2023 10:07 AM PT

DAF Trucks has unveiled its latest New Generation DAF XB truck series, which includes a range of distribution and vocational vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) ranging from 7.5 to 19 tonnes. The new series aims to support transport companies in their transition to zero emissions by offering a comprehensive lineup of battery electric and conventionally powered vehicles. The DAF XB combines environmental sustainability with efficiency, safety, and comfort.

The new DAF XB series sets new standards for city and regional distribution. It offers tailor-made solutions within the 7.5 to 19-tonne GVW range, with a focus on reducing carbon footprint while providing class-leading efficiency, safety, and comfort. The series includes battery electric variants for urban distribution, with GVW options of 12, 16, and 19 tonnes. These electric vehicles have a range of up to 350 kilometers and can be charged from 20 to 80% in just 40 to 70 minutes. DAF also provides dedicated sales support, planning advice, training, and a range of chargers to support customers in their transition to electric vehicles.

The new DAF XB series is equipped with powerful and efficient PACCAR PX-5 and PX-7 engines, with power outputs ranging from 124 kW (170 hp) to 227 kW (310 hp). These engines offer peak torque at low engine speeds, resulting in down-speeding and class-leading fuel efficiency. The series also supports the use of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), which can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% in a well-to-wheel scenario. In terms of safety, the new DAF XB series features a full set of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and outstanding direct vision. The driver's comfort is also prioritized, with high-quality cabs, excellent accessibility, and a customizable digital display.

For construction applications, DAF introduces the XBC series, which offers a high ground clearance of 255mm and an excellent approach angle of 25 degrees. This series is designed to excel in challenging terrains and is suitable for a wide range of utility applications. The DAF XB series builds upon DAF Trucks' market-leading position in the UK distribution sector, maintaining the characteristics of outstanding maneuverability, small turning circle, driver visibility, and cab comfort.

The new DAF XB series, including the XBC construction model, will enter production in the fourth quarter of 2023. It represents a new series of class-leading distribution trucks that provide tailor-made solutions for urban and regional applications, including vocational applications. With its focus on zero emissions, efficiency, safety, and driver comfort, the DAF XB series is ready to contribute to the development of sustainable and livable cities.

DAF Trucks continues to expand its zero-emission product offering with the new DAF XB Electric, which is ideal for sustainable inner-city and regional distribution operations. The XB Electric is available in 16 and 19-tonne GVW models, as well as a 12-tonne model with 17.5-inch wheels and a single entry-step. It is equipped with an e-motor that provides 120 or 190 kW of nominal power, depending on the specification, and a nominal torque of 950 and 1,850 Nm respectively. The XB Electric features cobalt and magnesium-free lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs with a gross energy content of 141 up to 282 kWh, allowing for ranges of up to 350 kilometers of ultra-quiet and zero-emission operation.

The new DAF XB Electric offers fast charging capabilities through the Combined Charging System, allowing for rapid charging from 20% to 80% in just 40 to 70 minutes. DAF also provides a comprehensive offering of PACCAR charging solutions, route planning advice, and dedicated driver training to support customers in their transition to zero-emission road transport.

In addition to the electric powertrain, the new DAF XB series is available with PACCAR PX-5 and PX-7 engines. These engines offer outputs ranging from 124 kW (170 hp) to 227 kW (310 hp) and peak torque at low engine speeds for improved fuel efficiency. The series is equipped with an 8-speed, fully automatic PowerLine transmission that provides smooth shifts, quick throttle response, and excellent low-speed maneuverability. Manual and automatic Allison gearboxes are also available for special applications.

The new DAF XB series offers a range of factory-built bodies, including PACCAR Box, Aerobody, and Curtainside options for both diesel-powered and electric variants. The series also prioritizes bodybuilder-friendliness, with a range of wheelbases and chassis lengths that allow for optimal vehicle configuration and high payloads. The XB series shares the same electrical and electronic architecture as other New Generation DAF trucks and is designed and built at the Leyland Trucks manufacturing facility in the UK.

When it comes to safety, the new DAF XB distribution truck offers advanced driver assistance systems, including Drive-off Assist, DAF Side & Turn Assist, Rear-view camera, Speed limit recognition, Tyre pressure monitoring system, DAF drowsiness detector, Alcohol interlock installation, and Event data recorder. The XB series prioritizes direct vision, with a low cab positioning, large windscreen and side windows, and slim mirrors that provide a combination of direct and indirect vision for the driver.

In terms of driver comfort, the new DAF XB series features Day, Extended Day, and Sleeper Cabs with wide-opening doors, perfectly positioned entry steps, and a low cab position for easy accessibility. The comfortable seats, soft-woven upholstery, new steering wheel, and 12-inch digital display on the dashboard enhance the overall driving experience. The compact cab design, unique maneuverability, and small turning circle make the XB series extremely agile, especially in challenging urban road networks.

For construction applications, DAF introduces the XBC series, which is designed to excel in tough terrains. It features a high ground clearance of 255mm, a large approach angle of 25 degrees, a steel front radiator plate, and a sturdy steel bumper. The XBC series is suitable for a wide range of utility applications and provides the same level of efficiency, safety, and driver comfort as the XB series.