Electric DAF in capitals rally

DAF Trucks has entered the EV Rally 2023: a five-day 1,000+ mile driving event encompassing the UK and Ireland which will start in Cardiff before heading to London, Edinburgh, and Belfast before fin­ishing five days later in Dublin. The EV Rally takes place from 3-7 July, and will see around 50 EVs from various manufacturers, including cars, motorcycles and vans, tak­ing on the challenge.

The EV Rally 2023 has been designed to demonstrate the capabilities of EVs, as well as as­sociated charging infrastructure and several clean energy projects from stakeholders keen to show­case their low-carbon credentials. Coverage of the EV Rally 2023 will feature on popular social media platforms and via live broadcasts.

DAF Trucks is partnering for the rally with Cenex, the sustaina­ble transport research technology organisation which is working with DAF on the DfT-funded Battery Electric Truck Trial (BETT) – an 18-month fact-finding study into the efficacy of EVs in operation. The BETT includes 20 DAF LF Electric vehicles now in service with a range of public bodies in­cluding the NHS and local author­ities. DAF is entering the rally with a 19-tonne GVW DAF LF Electric seconded from the BETT.

Adam Bennett, EV & sustaina­bility manager at DAF Truck, said: “This is such a great way for the low-carbon industry to come to­gether and we’re delighted to be flying the flag for the commercial vehicle sector. And using the DAF LF Electric is not only a great way to demonstrate the range and performance of the truck, but also a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the Battery Electric Truck Trial which DAF is delivering in partnership with Cenex and se­lected public bodies.”

Robert Evans, CEO at Cenex, said, “Cenex and DAF’s partner­ship on this EV Rally will show­case the recent evolutions in battery electric truck technology and really test the distribution of public charging for commercial and heavy goods vehicles. We also hope it will raise awareness of the research and findings from the Battery Electric Truck Trial so that fleet managers and drivers can make informed decisions in the future.”