Einride, the Swedish electric transport specialist, has announced its intention to purchase 50 electric trucks from DAF Trucks, a Dutch manufacturer, as per a memorandum of understanding. DAF has already confirmed the firm order for the initial electric trucks.
Delivery of the ordered vehicles is scheduled for later this year. Einride plans to acquire the XD Electric model in various specifications, which will cater to their diverse customer base.
The trucks will come equipped with three to five battery packs, allowing for ranges of up to 500 kilometers. Additionally, DAF will provide maintenance and repair packages for the vehicles, which will be serviced through their extensive dealer network comprising over 1,100 European locations.
DAF initially presented the XD Electric model at the IAA Transportation event in Hanover last year. Since then, both the XD Electric and XF Electric models have been manufactured in a dedicated facility at the Eindhoven plant. The XD Electric offers multiple battery configurations, with the highest option featuring five battery packages totaling 525 kWh, providing a range of 500 kilometers. Furthermore, DAF will offer a variety of electric powertrain options from Paccar, ensuring customers have a selection of suitable electric trucks.
The specific companies that will be utilizing DAF’s electric trucks have not yet been disclosed by Einride. However, some of Einride’s already-known customers include Oatly, Lidl Sweden, Maersk, Electrolux, AB InBev brewery, PepsiCo, and Rewe. Einride has previously ordered approximately 120 Mercedes eActros, 110 e-trucks from Scania, and 200 vehicles from BYD for its electric truck fleets. The addition of 50 XD Electric trucks from DAF will expand their portfolio, although it should be noted that only a portion of the order has been finalized.
Einride, a Swedish company, is at the forefront of autonomous commercial vehicle development. They have already introduced a concept vehicle called the T-Pod, and their flagship product is the Saga software platform. Saga acts as an intelligent operating system for electric and future autonomous vehicle fleets, as well as charging and connectivity networks. By utilizing this technology, companies can transport goods in a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner.
Robert Ziegler, General Manager Europe at Einride, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with DAF, stating, “Einride is committed to selecting leading truck manufacturers with the best technical performance in the industry. In DAF, we have found an excellent partner as we continue to expand our global fleet of electric vehicles. By leveraging DAF’s technological edge, combined with our own freight mobility solutions, we look forward to setting a new benchmark in efficient and sustainable transportation while meeting the evolving needs of our clients.”
