- DAF charges ahead, with full electric truck capability coming to all 34 sales centres in the UK and Ireland.
- Major investment powers up electric truck infrastructure, personnel, and training.
- BETT insights fuel DAF’s implementation game plan.
DAF electrifies the road: 34 truck centres charge up for for electrification
DAF Trucks is charting an electrifying course for its UK DAF Dealer network, amplifying support for operators diving into the EV realm. At the core of this nationwide investment is the commitment from all 34 DAF Truck Sales Centres to evolve into DAF certified Electric Truck Centres. These revamped hubs will showcase cutting-edge electric truck infrastructure, house a team of highly-trained technicians, and boast fully equipped workshops ready to handle the diagnostic, service, and repair demands of DAF electric trucks.
This transformation will unfold through a consultative sales approach led by Battery Electric Truck Specialists and Battery Electric Charger Specialists. Customers can expect a hands-on experience with at least one locally stationed DAF electric truck demonstrator for thorough evaluation. Access to a nationwide demonstrator fleet will also be available, offering a diverse array of configurations and body types to cater to a wide range of applications. It’s not just a sales process – it’s a journey into the electrifying future of transport.
Gary Carpenter, Chair of the DAF Trucks National Dealer Council, said:
“The DAF Dealer Network is committed to supporting our customers as they transition to zero emissions and, by investing in the right locations at the right pace, we can ensure we have the personnel, expertise and infrastructure in place for them.”
DAF’s Electric Truck Centres will feature a speedy 180 kW DC charger, while Service Centres will be equipped with a solid 24 kW charger. This forms a nationwide charging network, allowing vehicles to recharge during service, maximising uptime. DAF’s charging network will offer single-point invoicing and access to charging data for seamless integration into fleet management systems.
The recent involvement of DAF Trucks in the Battery Electric Truck Trial (BETT) has proven to be a pivotal milestone in the refinement of the market leader’s electric truck strategy. Insights gained from the BETT experience are now empowering fully trained DAF Dealer Battery Electric Truck Sales specialists to steer operators through the transition to zero-emission transport. Central to the DAF offering is a nuanced approach that includes in-depth route analysis and tailored charging protocols, ensuring a seamless and informed journey for customers transitioning to emission-free transportation.
EV & Sustainability Manager at DAF Trucks, Adam Bennett, added:
“We’re right on track ready for the deployment of electric trucks into the market. Our experience on the BETT has been invaluable, allowing us to invest strategically in the network. We’ve assessed the market, gauged customer acceptance, performed cost analyses and we’re confident that we’re transitioning the DAF Dealer network at the right pace.”
Following the BETT, two DAF EVs are currently making their way through the DAF EV Relay, visiting all 34 DAF Truck Sales Centres across the UK and Ireland. The goal is to provide comprehensive training, helping staff become familiar with every aspect of electric trucks and their operational capabilities. This hands-on experience is crafted to build confidence and knowledge about electric trucks throughout the DAF Dealer Network.
DAF Trucks also promises to ensure robust technical support for electric vehicles through a tiered system. All DAFaid Technicians, trained to IMI Level 1, offer roadside assistance. Workshop-based DAF electric vehicle technicians, trained to IMI Level 3 with DAF-specific product training, enhance expertise. Aftersales experts at DAF Trucks HQ in Haddenham provide additional technical support. DAF Dealers will stock parts “packs” for electric trucks, with extra parts available at PACCAR Parts Distribution Centres, primarily in Leyland, Lancashire, for UK operators and across the continent.
As DAF Trucks sparks an electrifying revolution across its UK DAF dealer network, customers can expect a seamless journey into the EV landscape. This transition underscores DAF’s dedication to not just support, but to commit to delivering top-notch technical expertise and accelerate the industry’s transition to sustainable transport.
