Logistics training provider 2 Start Training has praised its recently delivered electric DAF trucks for being ideally suited to driver training.
Portsmouth-based 2 Start Training took delivery of both Jamaica Blue and Flame Red XD 350 FT 4×2 Electrics in May 2026, becoming the first UK driving school to add plug-in tractors to its fleet.
The XD 350 FT Electric delivers 350kW of power to the road from 525kWh battery packs, allowing it to cover up to 300 miles between visits to the plug.
Meanwhile, the trucks have a maximum charging speed of up to 325kW, enabling the batteries to be charged from 20-80% in less than an hour.
However, 2 Start Training charges the vehicles overnight using a PacMobile portable charger which simply plugs into their existing three-phase supply.
The PACCAR EX-D2 electric power unit comprises twin electric motors which serve both as a retarder and as a regenerative braking system to feed energy back into the batteries on the move, and a fully automated three-speed gearbox to manage power delivery.
Paul Moon, Managing Director of 2 Start Training said, “We ran the figures and it made sense, not only the headline figure, but the reduced running costs too.
“The students love being in the trucks, as do the instructors. From a driver’s perspective, especially with the full DAF Digital Vision System installed, the XD Electric is by far the best truck I’ve ever driven.
“While we’re not under any pressure to replace our wider fleet at the moment, I’m excited to see the product range continue to develop ahead of more electric DAFs joining us in the years to come.”
