Dutch truck maker DAF Trucks has delivered 33 battery-electric tractor units to German logistics operator Contargo, lifting the number of electric trucks in Contargo’s fleet to 90 as the company steps up the electrification of its container transport operations.
The vehicles, all from the XD Electric series, will be deployed across 15 locations in Germany and are expected to make up nearly one-third of Contargo’s battery-electric fleet once fully integrated. DAF described the handover as “one of the largest simultaneous deliveries of battery-electric trucks in Germany,” with the trucks entering service over the coming weeks.
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Contargo first began testing electric trucks from DAF in 2019, when it added two CF Electric models during an initial electrification phase. The latest delivery marks the second phase of the partnership, building on those early trials as battery-electric technology becomes more viable for daily logistics operations.
The XD Electric is part of DAF’s current generation of battery-electric trucks, alongside the XF Electric and the newly announced XG and XG+ Electric. The model is positioned for urban, regional and long-distance distribution. Contargo’s vehicles are specified with a 4×2 axle configuration, a 350-kilowatt powertrain and five lithium iron phosphate battery packs with a combined capacity of 525 kilowatt-hours, offering a range of more than 500 kilometres under typical operating conditions.
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“With the present count of 90 e-trucks in operation, the enterprise has now successfully realised all the e-truck projects approved under the KsNI funding guideline,” Contargo said, referring to Germany’s former federal subsidy scheme for climate-friendly commercial vehicles, while noting that expansion of charging infrastructure is continuing.
The transition to DAF’s new electric truck generation followed delays in series production, which began in late 2025 after the XD and XF Electric were first unveiled in 2022. The models were later awarded the “Truck of the Year 2026” title, a recognition DAF said reflects the maturity of the platform.
Contargo, which focuses on container hinterland logistics and combined transport, is simultaneously building one of Germany’s largest private fast-charging networks, with around 90 charging points planned across 15 sites. The company operates primarily in Germany, with additional activities in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Poland and Switzerland.
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“90 battery-electric trucks in operation are no coincidence but the result of a clear decision for a reliable electrification pathway,” said Kristin Kahl, managing director of Contargo Truck Fleet. “Our transformation shows that available technologies can be consistently utilised and successfully scaled under real-world conditions.”
Christoph Fitz, managing director of DAF Trucks Deutschland, said the delivery underlined the value of long-term partnerships. “The partnership with Contargo demonstrates how important long-term relationships are for the successful ramp-up of electric trucks,” he said.
