Key among a significant UK-wide investment is the commitment from all 34 DAF Truck Sales Centres to become DAF certified Electric Truck Centres with specialist electric truck infrastructure, trained technicians and fully equipped workshop facilities to diagnose, service and repair DAF electric trucks.
All DAF Truck Sales Centres will become certified DAF Electric Truck Centres and will employ trained specialists focusing on helping customers transition to zero emissions. This will be through a consultative sales process delivered by Battery Electric Truck Specialists and Battery Electric Charger Specialists. At least one locally based DAF electric truck demonstrator will also be available for customer evaluation, supported by access to a national demonstrator fleet which includes choice of configurations and body types to suit a broad range of applications.
Battery Electric Truck Trial – invaluable experience
DAF Trucks’ participation in the recent Battery Electric Truck Trial (BETT) has been instrumental in the market-leader’s meticulous development of its own electric truck strategy. Learnings from the BETT is allowing fully trained DAF Dealer Battery Electric Truck Sales specialists to guide operators through their transition to zero emissions transport, with route analysis and charging protocols very much key to the DAF offering to customers.
Following the conclusion of the BETT, two DAF EVs are now midway through the DAF EV Relay, all 34 DAF Truck Sales Centres across the UK and Ireland are being visited to train and familiarise staff on all aspects of electric trucks and their operational capabilities. This hands-on experience is designed to build confidence and knowledge on electric trucks throughout the DAF Dealer Network.
Dedicated DAF charging network
Each DAF Electric Truck Centre will provide fast charging capability with a minimum of a 180kW DC charger, while other DAF Service Centres will be equipped with a minimum 24kW charger in their workshops.
The result is a full UK-wide network of chargers, ensuring customer vehicles can be charged while in for service or maintenance, crucial in maximising uptime by ensuring sufficient charge for the next work-shift. The opportunity exists for the DAF charging network to offer single-point invoicing for energy and access to charging data that can be fed into their own fleet management systems for DAF electric truck operators.
DAF offers a broad range of PACCAR Chargers from small wall mounted 7 kW AC charging units suitable for electric cars and vans, right up to 360 kW DC chargers that can enable multi-shift operation and quick turnaround time for the largest electric trucks.
Technician training
DAF Trucks has adopted a tiered approach to technical support, with all DAFaid Technicians trained to IMI Level 1 for electric trucks, in order to provide roadside support. Workshop-based DAF electric vehicle technicians are trained to IMI Level 3 and are also receiving DAF-specific electric truck product training. Aftersales experts at DAF Trucks headquarters in Haddenham are also available to lend technical support.
Parts ‘packs’ to support DAF electric trucks will be held at DAF Dealers, with additional parts available at PACCAR Parts Distribution Centres, primarily at Leyland, Lancashire, for UK operators, and also across the continent.
“We’re right on track ready for the deployment of electric trucks into the market,” said EV & Sustainability Manager at DAF Trucks. “Our experience on the BETT has been invaluable, allowing us to invest strategically in the network. We’ve assessed the market, gauged customer acceptance, performed cost analyses and we’re confident that we’re transitioning the DAF Dealer network at the right pace.”
Gary Carpenter, Chair of the DAF Trucks National Dealer Council, added, “The DAF Dealer Network is committed to supporting our customers as they transition to zero emissions and, by investing in the right locations at the right pace, we can ensure we have the personnel, expertise and infrastructure in place for them.”