Arla Foods adds four DAF XD Electric trucks

Electric fleet expansion

Arla Foods has taken delivery of four further DAF XD Electric trucks, adding to the three vehicles of the same model that entered service last year. The new trucks are rigid 6×2 vehicles intended for the distribution of refrigerated dairy products in Denmark.

Each truck has a 350-kW electric powertrain and a 525-kWh battery. DAF gives the model a maximum stated range of up to 550km. The specification used by Arla combines the largest battery offered for the XD Electric with the manufacturer’s highest available motor output for its electric drivetrain.

Arla is expanding its electric operations at Hobro, a site that includes one of its dairies and serves as a base for its vehicles. PACCAR Power Solutions is installing charging equipment with an overall capacity of 480kW. The system will include six rapid-charging points, each capable of delivering up to 400kW.

PACCAR said an assessment of Arla’s driving patterns found that charging vehicles overnight at the depot would cover almost all of the company’s transport activities. The charging installation is being supplied alongside the electric trucks.

Additional diesel vehicles

Alongside the four electric trucks, Arla is placing seven more DAF XD vehicles into operation. These trucks have 6×2 chassis and MX-11 diesel engines rated at 330kW, forming a separate addition to the company’s distribution fleet.

All of the vehicles are covered by a DAF MultiSupport repair and maintenance agreement. Arla fleet manager Michael Engsig Hansen said the three electric trucks already in use had provided positive experience, citing visibility around the vehicle, driver comfort, energy use and reliability in support of the latest order.