A total of 20 DAF LF Electric trucks have entered service with the NHS and local authorities, as part of a trial funded by the government.
NHS Supply Chain will deploy eight Daf LF Electric rigids with refrigerated bodies at several of its locations around the country in the £10m Battery Electric Truck Trial (BETT) financed by Department for Transport (DfT).
Local NHS Trusts will take five of the vehicles while the remaining seven will go to two Local Authority Framework Organisations in school supply operations as well as local councils for use in recycling and general transport.
Lancashire-based Leyland Trucks, which manufactures the LF Electric, is working with Cenex, the low carbon research and consultancy organisation, to create an interactive BETT report and website.
Daf Academy Driver Training will train drivers of the BETT LF Electric vehicles which will be maintained and supported through the Daf Dealer Network.
The project will use 14 Paccar battery-charging units stationed at 13 operator locations, with capacities ranging from 22kW to 180kW to suit differing operational needs.
Rob Lawton, principal engineer – Alternative Powertrains, at Leyland Trucks said, “This is a significant step in the project as we roll-out vehicles for real-time operations, we’re working closely with our project partners in order to collect the most accurate data possible.
“Electrification is becoming a major consideration for operators, and it’s crucial they’re able to scrutinise reliable evidence before investing in this relatively new technology.
“We’re also very proud to be part of this project and having been given the opportunity to showcase our engineering and technological expertise.”
