Government selects Leyland Trucks for electric lorry trial

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Leyland Trucks is to participate in a project designed to help UK operators make the transition to battery electric lorries.

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 Department for Transport (DfT) efforts to encourage the use of battery electric vehicles in commercial transport.

The project, scheduled to commence this summer, is part of the Government’s £20 million zero emission road freight trials programme, using the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI).

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.

The company manufactures the DAF LF series of distribution vehicles, including the LF Electric which recently entered production at its plant in Lancashire.

It will be partnering several end-users in the public sector during the trial, with various NHS operations around the country earmarked to trial eleven LF Electric rigids.

A number of local authorities will take the remaining nine vehicles to support recycling and deliveries to schools.

The £10m project will cover vehicles, charging infrastructure, user training, repair and maintenance and total-cost-of-ownership.

Rob Lawton, Project Manager, at Leyland Trucks said: “We’re delighted to have been selected to play such a key role in the initiative.

“We’re proud to be leading the drive towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for the road transport industry.

“Our LF Electric and CF Electric vehicles offer the best solution for zero-emissions operation.

“The results from our NHS and Local Authority partners will support Leyland Trucks’ extensive and long-term testing programmes to further strengthen our leading position in providing battery electric vehicles.”

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