Arla Foods is expanding its electric commercial vehicle fleet with four additional DAF XD Electric trucks for chilled dairy deliveries in Denmark. The 6×2 rigid trucks will operate from the company’s Hobro depot, where new charging infrastructure is being installed.
The latest vehicles follow the deployment of three DAF XD Electric trucks by Arla last year. Positive experience with those vehicles has contributed to the decision to expand the fleet with four additional battery-electric trucks.
DAF XD Electric Trucks Deliver Up to 550 km of Range
The four new trucks are 6×2 rigid models equipped with a 350 kW electric drivetrain and a 525 kWh battery.
DAF specifies a driving range of up to 550 km for the configuration. The trucks will be used to transport chilled dairy products across Denmark.
The 525 kWh battery is the largest capacity available for the relevant XD Electric configuration, while the 350 kW motor represents the maximum power output of DAF’s electric drivetrain.
Alongside the electric trucks, Arla is also introducing seven DAF XD 6×2 trucks powered by MX-11 diesel engines. These vehicles have a power output of 330 kW.
All 11 trucks are supplied with a DAF MultiSupport repair and maintenance contract.
Hobro Depot Receives New Charging Infrastructure
Arla is expanding its charging facilities at Hobro, which houses both a dairy operation and vehicle depot.
PACCAR Power Solutions is installing a charging system with a total capacity of 480 kW. The facility will provide six fast-charging points, each capable of delivering up to 400 kW.
An analysis of Arla’s vehicle driving profiles found that overnight depot charging is sufficient for virtually all of the company’s transport operations.
“Smart charging starts with insight into the operation. The analyses by PACCAR Power Solutions showed that overnight depot charging is more than sufficient for virtually all of Arla’s transport tasks. This keeps energy demand manageable and affordable, while ensuring the electric trucks are ready for operation every morning,” said Frank van den Dungen, Managing Director, PACCAR Parts Europe.
The charging setup is designed around the daily operating patterns of Arla’s electric trucks, allowing them to recharge at the depot between delivery operations and remain ready for service each morning.
Arla Expands Electric Fleet After Positive Experience
Arla placed its first three XD Electric trucks into operation last year. The company said its experience with those vehicles provided the basis for ordering four additional DAF electric trucks.
“The all-round visibility, driver comfort and the entry with just two steps make these vehicles the favourites of our fleet,” said Michael Engsig Hansen, Arla Fleet Manager. “That, combined with their refined driveline, favourable energy consumption and high reliability, made the decision to opt again for a number of XD Electric trucks relatively easy.”
The feedback highlights both operational and driver-related factors behind Arla’s continued adoption of the XD Electric.
With the additional four trucks, Arla is expanding its battery-electric distribution operations while continuing to operate a mixed fleet that includes diesel-powered DAF vehicles in Denmark.