DAF debuts electric RCVs

Four DAF CF Electric three-axle refuse collection vehicles are being trialled by recycling specialist Rova in the Dutch city of Zwolle.

DAF CF Electric 4×2 tractor vehicles have been in operation for inner-city distribution at leading Dutch and German transport companies and supermarket chains since the end of 2018, and limited sales of the CF Electric tractor have commenced in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. The four fully-electric 6×2 RCV chassis are now entering a field test for refuse collection applications.

The three-axle trucks have a steered trailing axle for enhanced manoeuvrability, said to provide a huge advantage for waste collection vehicles operating in dense urban areas.

A VDL E-power driveline fitted to the DAF CF Electric 6×2 waste collection truck provides 210 kW of power and a torque of 2,000 Nm – identical to the CF Electric tractor. The driveline is powered by a battery pack with a (gross) energy content of 170 kWh, sufficient for covering regular garbage collection routes. The bodywork includes lifts and compactors separately powered by a VDL package.

Waste collection trucks typically return to the depot every few hours to unload, at which time a DAF CF Electric can recharge up to 80 per cent of its battery capacity in 30 minutes.

For Rova, ease of use of the DAF CF Electric refuse collection truck is key, states Marco van Lente, general director. “The DAF CF Electric is just as good and easy to operate as any conventionally powered truck and we truly believe it is important to participate from the start in the energy transition as natural resources are becoming increasingly rare. It is in our DNA to take care of the future of our planet and the use of low-emission vehicles is part of our sustainability plan.”