XB replaces LF range in DAF line-up
DAF has brought its light/medium-weight distribution range into line with the rest of its truck offering by relaunching the LF as the XB. With a new chassis, the XB will be sold alongside the XD fleet trucks and the XG and XG+ long-haul models, at gross weights from 7.5 to 18 tonnes. An 18-tonne XBC model with enhanced ground clearance will be offered to the construction market.
The XB range incorporates the driveline changes made to the LF last year, including the latest versions of the Cummins-built Paccar PX engines, with outputs ranging from 170 to 310 hp and the ZF PowerLine 8-speed fully-automatic transmission as standard. Manual gearboxes are still offered as an option, as is the Allison full auto which is a favourite of the municipal market.
As well as the new chassis, major changes include a revised cab interior with a new customisable instrument display, and a suite of driving and safety aids. Designed to aid bodybuilders, the new chassis feature ‘plug and play’ electrics and electronics, and a new frame grid. Predefined layouts enable the positioning of items such as fuel tanks, exhaust systems, batteries and air tanks to suit specialist body applications such as tippers and roadsweepers at the factory.
DAF continues to be the only manufacturer to offer line-fit bodies for its trucks: Paccar box, Aerobody and curtainsider bodywork can be ordered with the chassis-cab and installed in the factory at Leyland where the XB will be built.
The XB is available with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems including rear-view camera, tyre pressure monitoring system and alcohol interlock installation. The latest Advanced Emergency Braking System now uses both radar and a camera to detect vehicles and vulnerable road users (VRUs). The system alerts the driver when VRUs are in front of the vehicle (Drive-off Assist). DAF Side Assist alerts when another road user, such as another vehicle, is to the nearside and DAF Turn Assist is active at speeds up to 30 km/h to warn when cyclists are in the vehicle’s blind spot. The new DAF Drowsiness Detection assesses the driver’s alertness and warns when a break is needed.
All XBs will come with Speed Limit Recognition which recognises speed limits and informs the driver. An Event Data Recorder records images and data when an AEB event is triggered or when the time to collision with a vehicle or VRU, is below 0.5 seconds.
Production of the new XB trucks commences at Leyland in Q4 of this year.
XB Electrics unveiled
With the UK set to ban sale of new diesel trucks under 26 tonnes GVW by 2035, the XB range includes an expanded offering of battery-electrics from 12 to 19 tonnes GVW. The new 12-tonner features 17.5 in wheels and a single step cab entry.
The e-motor propelling the XB Electric provides 120 or 190 kW of nominal power depending on specification, and a nominal torque of 950 and 1,850 Nm respectively (2,600 and 3,500 Nm peak). For the lowest possible environmental impact and highest durability, DAF employs cobalt and magnesium-free, lithium iron phosphate (LFP – Lithium Ferro Phosphate) high energy-density battery packs with a gross energy content of from 141 up to 282 kWh. These allow XB Electric a range of up to 350 kilometres; more than enough to satisfy the needs of urban distribution transport applications, according to DAF.
A special feature of the new DAF XB Electric is the ‘Combined Charging System’. This allows the truck to be charged through the regular electricity network and is said to be ideal when vehicles return to base at the end of the day. Rapid charging the batteries (650V DC, 150 kW) from 20 to 80 per cent takes 40 to 70 minutes, depending on specification.
To support customers optimally in the transition to zero emission road transport, DAF’s comprehensive offering also includes a broad range of Paccar charging solutions, advice on planning of routes and charging, and the provision of dedicated training for drivers to get the best out of their vehicles.
