Electrifying change

DAF began its journey into electric transport back in 2018 when the first battery-electric versions of the LF and CF appeared on European roads. Since then, the manufacturer has steadily developed its BEVs to produce what a modern electric truck needs to deliver in real-world distribution.

Now, that early progress has culminated in a new generation of zero-emission products: the XB Electric, XD Electric and XF Electric. Together, they give operators BEV options for everything from urban multi-drop to regional distribution and long-distance trunking.

The Road to Zero Emissions

The timing is important. Under current European legislation, CO2 emissions from trucks and buses must fall by 43% compared with 2019 levels by 2030. According to Raoul Wijnands, DAF’s senior product manager for testing, achieving this target will require around 400,000 electric trucks to be in operation across the continent. That’s a huge number, but DAF is positioning itself to ensure customers can begin their transition with confidence.

Of course, charging infrastructure across Europe and the UK will have to keep pace. But part of DAF’s approach has been to design electric trucks that can integrate easily into existing fleets where shorter routes, predictable duty cycles or return-to-base operations already make battery-electric transport a realistic and attractive option. By offering multiple battery capacities, motor outputs and body configurations, DAF is ensuring these vehicles can serve a broad range of applications from day one.

The New Electric Line-up

The smallest of the three new BEVs is the XB Electric: available as a 4x2 rigid at 12, 16 or 19 tonnes. Battery choices for the 12-tonner are 141kWh, 210kWh or 282kWh packs, with options for the two larger batteries only on the heavier trucks. Power comes from either the 120kW EX-M1 motor or the 190kW EX-M2 motor, depending on gross vehicle weight. Operators can choose between Day Cab and Extended Day Cab versions, and range is up to 350 km depending on specification and conditions.

DAF’s XD Electric offers the widest flexibility. It’s designed for regional, urban and national distribution and is available with Day Cab, Sleeper Cab or High Roof Sleeper. Configurations include 4x2, 6x2 and 6x2 rear-steer rigids, plus a 4x2 tractor. Power options span the EX-D1 and EX-D2 motors, giving outputs from 170kW to 350kW. Battery packs are available in 315kWh, 420kWh or 525kWh capacities. GVWs range from 20.5 to 29 tonnes, while GCWs reach up to 50 tonnes. Maximum range is over 500 km, though DAF suggests 350-420 km is a realistic working figure when running at full weight in hilly conditions.

The XF Electric is positioned for the top end of the market. It uses the same three battery capacities as the XD and exclusively features the EX-D2 motor, delivering 270, 310 or 350kW. Cab choices are Sleeper or High Roof Sleeper. GVW and GCW limits mirror those of the XD, and maximum range likewise matches its mid-range sibling.

Test Drives

A varied test route around Eindhoven showed how the new electric trucks perform in a variety of real-world scenarios. Our route included a long motorway loop, tight village roads, A-roads, roundabouts, chicanes and slower sections with cyclists, pedestrians and changing traffic conditions.

The XF 350 FT Electric was the first truck of the day and it provided a superb introduction to DAF’s new generation of BEVs. Configured as a 4x2 tractor at 40 tonnes gross, it came paired with a two-axle trailer and a High Roof Sleeper Cab.

The specification was representative of a premium driver-oriented long-distance set-up: Xtra Leather Air driver’s seat, Xtra Comfort Mattress, fridge, cinema-style passenger seat and the familiar pull-out table that many DAF drivers swear by. The XF feels built for long stints of uninterrupted cruising. With the 350kW motor delivering instant, smooth torque, the truck gathers pace easily and maintains it with almost no effort.

What stands out most, however, is the level of quietness. Without engine noise, the cab becomes a calm, spacious workspace where conversations with co-drivers are refreshingly crystal clear. It’s an environment that encourages smooth driving and reduces fatigue.

Visibility is excellent thanks to DAF’s digital mirrors, excellent Corner View camera and Kerb View Window fitted low in the passenger door. Together they give an uninterrupted awareness of the truck’s surroundings. This test vehicle achieves a three-star London DVS rating.

Regenerative braking is managed via a three-stage stalk, which becomes intuitive very quickly. The large power gauge on the driver’s display makes it easy to see when the truck is drawing energy and when it is feeding power back into the batteries.

DAF was keen to demonstrate its ‘intelligent one-pedal driving’ set-up, which means the driver can for the most part adapt to using just the throttle to control acceleration, cruising and braking. It soon becomes the natural way to operate the truck, especially when planning smooth deceleration for roundabouts or tighter sections.

On the motorway, stage one or two felt ideal, though we stepped up to stage three when decelerating on a couple of shorter off-ramps. Of course, the service brakes are also on hand, but with enough foresight you may not need to use them too often. The route featured a broad mix of conditions: long motorway runs, flowing A-roads and a handful of tighter sections including narrow roundabouts and chicanes.

These are the places where an electric powertrain’s smoothness truly shines. The XF handled it all with confidence, maintaining an even, predictable feel throughout. For operators who want a premium long-distance electric solution, the XF delivers a quiet, refined and highly capable driving experience.

After the XF we tried the smallest truck in the range: a 4x2, 14.5-tonne XB 190 FA Electric rigid with an Extended Day Cab. This part of the test route took us through a tight village, complete with narrow lanes, tree-lined verges, wide cycle lanes and a 30km/h limit. It was exactly the kind of environment where an electric distribution truck needs to excel – and the XB rose to the challenge.

The cab layout is practical and intuitive, ideal for fleets. Controls are straightforward, and everything a driver needs is close at hand. The XB on test used conventional mirrors and carries a three-star DVS rating. Despite the more compact footprint compared with the XD and XF, the driving position feels generous enough for a full working day.

A single-stage regenerative braking system is fitted to XB, controlled by a simple button on the steering wheel. While basic compared with the multi-stage systems in the larger models, it works cleanly and consistently. Drivers looking to maximise energy recovery simply need to choose their moments carefully – lifting early on approach to junctions or roundabouts and using smooth throttle control during slower sections. For typical distribution cycles involving shorter routes and regular returns to base, this is more than adequate.

The 190kW motor provides brisk acceleration around town and power delivery is reassuringly smooth. It feels nimble and easy to place on the road, even when navigating the tight pinch points common in Dutch village streets.

Ride comfort is impressive for a smaller rigid. It maintains the same calm found in the XD and XF, contributing to a relaxed, unhurried driving style. For operators looking for a dependable, quiet and energy-efficient urban truck with DAF’s familiar ergonomics, the XB Electric fits the bill perfectly.

The final truck of the day was the 30-tonne XD 350 FT Electric, a 4x2 tractor with a Sleeper High Cab, and a two-axle trailer featuring a steered rear axle. With its combination of motorway, town and mixed rural sections, the XD had the most varied drive of the three – ideal for showcasing its versatility.

From the moment the combination was rolling, the XD felt reassuringly sure-footed. Visibility is excellent – this model achieves a four-star DVS rating – and the driver’s environment is roomy, uncluttered and well thought out.

As with the XF, the XD uses a three-stage regenerative braking system. One-pedal driving becomes second nature, especially once you’ve located the ‘sweet spot’ in the accelerator that allows the truck to maintain speed smoothly during cruise. Lifting the pedal lets regen step in, recovering energy and slowing the vehicle without fuss. Stage zero allows the truck to free-roll, which is helpful on long, gentle descents or when you want to maintain momentum.

Performance from the 350kW motor is strong even under load, and the combination felt agile throughout the route. Roundabouts, junctions and short bursts of acceleration were all handled confidently, while motorway sections highlighted the XD’s relaxed cruising style.

Across the XB, XD and XF, DAF’s electric line-up leaves a consistently strong impression. Each model is thoughtfully engineered for its intended role, offering smooth performance, excellent refinement and the reassuring familiarity of DAF’s latest cab environment and ergonomics. The regenerative braking systems, power delivery and display layout all contribute to a driving experience that’s easy to adapt to.

DAF’s approach demonstrates clear readiness for the industry’s transition toward zero-emission heavy vehicles. These trucks deliver quiet operation, strong performance and impressive smoothness – qualities that drivers will appreciate immediately.

DAF Win Big - International Truck of the Year 2026

DAF’s New Generation XD and XF Electric trucks have been named International Truck of the Year 2026, marking a major milestone for the Dutch manufacturer and underscoring the rapid rise of zero-emission heavy vehicles across Europe.

The award—widely regarded as the most prestigious honour in the commercial vehicle sector—was presented to company president Harald Seidel during a ceremony at the Solutrans exhibition in Lyon, France. The win represents DAF’s third International Truck of the Year title in just five years, following victories for the New Generation XF/XG/XG+ in 2022 and the New Generation XD in 2023.

A Win Rooted in Efficiency

Each year, the jury of the International Truck of the Year organisation selects a model launched within the previous twelve months that delivers the greatest contribution to road-transport efficiency. Evaluation covers technology, comfort, safety, drivability, environmental impact, energy efficiency and overall operating costs.

For 2026, the panel of 23 leading commercial-vehicle journalists from across Europe singled out the XD and XF Electric models for their standout energy efficiency, long driving ranges, and advanced electric architecture. Jurors praised the smooth, almost seamless driveline behavior and the trucks’ modular design, which allows operators to tailor battery capacity and axle configurations to different applications.

Florian Engel, chairman of the jury, noted that DAF’s decision to combine a central electric motor with a traditional rear axle delivered impressive results.

The setup achieves energy efficiency on par with e-axle systems while offering ideal weight distribution and broad operational flexibility.

Power, Range, and Real-World Capability

The award-winning trucks are powered by PACCAR’s EX-D1 and EX-D2 electric motors, producing between 170 kW (230 hp) and 350 kW (480 hp). They can be equipped with battery packs ranging from 210 to 525 kWh, enabling more than 500 km of zero-emission range on a single charge. With optimised charging strategies, operators can achieve over 1,000 km per day—an important benchmark for both regional and long-distance use.

Designed for urban distribution and full-scale logistics operations alike, the XD and XF Electric models combine low-mounted cabs, excellent aerodynamics, and advanced digital camera systems to maximise visibility and safety.

Pride and Momentum for DAF

Calling the award “a moment of pride,” president Harald Seidel said the recognition highlights the company’s commitment to shaping the future of zero-emission transport.

The accolade affirms the brand’s dedication to delivering efficient, comfortable, and safe vehicles to its customers.

With its latest win, DAF strengthens its position as a leading innovator in the transition to electric road transport—signaling that the race toward cleaner logistics is not only accelerating, but reaching new milestones faster than ever.