Leyland Trucks has announced it is participating in a project aimed to help UK operators transition to battery-electric trucks. A total of 20 DAF LF Electric 19-tonne rigid, together with the necessary charging infrastructure, will be fitted with data logging equipment and used to support a British Government’s Department for Transport (DfT) project designed to encourage the use of battery electric vehicles in commercial transport. In addition, an interactive website informs future fleet operator buying decisions and help stimulate the sale of battery-electric trucks. The project is scheduled to commence this summer.
To support operators in understanding the costs and considerations around the deployment of zero-emission trucks, the DfT attempts to assist the road transport sector in its transition. The project is part of the Government’s £20 million zero-emission road freight trials.
The project is delivered using the SBRI (Small Business Research Initiative), which is a process that brings together government challenges and ideas from businesses to create innovative solutions. Leyland Trucks will work with CENEX, 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.
Leyland Trucks manufactures the DAF LF series of distribution vehicles, including the LF Electric, which recently entered production in Lancashire.
During the trial, Leyland Trucks will partner several end-users in the public sector, including various NHS (National Health Service) operations around the country, earmarked to trial eleven DAF LF Electric rigids. The remaining nine vehicles will go to several Local Authorities to support recycling and deliveries to schools.
“We’re delighted to have been selected to play such a key role in the initiative,” said Rob Lawton, Project Manager at Leyland Trucks, “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 Truck’s extensive and long-term testing programs to strengthen further our leading position in providing Battery Electric Vehicles.”
Comments