DAF has now started production of its LF Hybrid distribution truck, which uses a parallel diesel/electric system, with power from the diesel engine, electric motor or both.
The first 12 tonne hybrid truck left DAF's Leyland production facility on Thursday December 9, fitted with a 160hp 4.5-litre Paccar FR EEV-compliant diesel engine, linked to an automatic Eaton six-speed Autoshift gearbox.
As per standard parallel configuration, the electric motor is fitted between the clutch and the gearbox, providing traction as well as functioning as a generator, during braking – with energy stored in lithium-ion batteries.
On this truck, the battery pack weighs 100kg and consists of 96 3.6V cells, providing for up to 2km travel on electric power alone.
As a result, DAF claims that its LF45.160 Hybrid is only 300kg heavier than the standard diesel-powered model – giving it a very useful load capacity of around 7.5 tonnes.
DAF is starting to supply the LF Hybrid in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium and Czech Republic – and, depending on sales, the company says it will decide whether to include the vehicle in the standard product range in other countries.
