Leyland Trucks is to participate in a project designed to help UK operators make the transition to battery electric trucks. A total of 20 DAF LF Electric 19-tonne rigids, together with the required charging infrastructure, will be fitted with data logging equipment and used to support the UK Government’s Department for Transport (DfT) efforts to encourage the use of battery electric vehicles in commercial transport. An interactive website will inform future fleet operator buying decisions and help stimulate the sale of battery electric trucks.
To support operators in understanding the costs and considerations around the deployment of zero emission trucks, the DfT is adopting a proactive campaign to assist the road transport sector in its transition. The project is part of the Government’s £20 million zero emission road freight trials.
The project is delivered using the SBRI (Small Business Research Initiative), which is a process that brings together government challenges and ideas from business to create innovative solutions. Leyland Trucks will work with CENEX, the low carbon research consultancy, to create an interactive report and website using real-world data to assist public and private fleet operators to better understand the strengths, challenges and deployment options around zero emissions trucks.
Leyland Trucks manufactures the successful DAF LF series of distribution vehicles, including the LF Electric. Leyland Trucks will be partnering several end-users in the public sector during the trial, including various NHS (National Health Service) operations around the country earmarked to trial eleven DAF LF Electric rigids. The remaining nine vehicles will go to a number of local authorities to support recycling and deliveries to schools.