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DAF unveils New Generation DAF XB city distribution trucks

DAF Trucks has released details of its latest New Generation DAF XB truck series, featuring a full line-up of distribution and vocational vehicles from 7.5- to 19-tonnes GVW.

The new model series includes a comprehensive range of battery electric and conventionally powered vehicles, with a focus on supporting transport companies in their transition to zero emissions. The new DAF XB combines an extremely low environmental footprint with class-leading efficiency, safety and comfort.

  • New DAF XB series; setting new standards for city and regional distribution
    • Tailor-made solutions between 7.5- and 19-tonnes GVW
    • Lowest carbon footprint paired with class-leading efficiency, safety and comfort
  • Battery electric, zero emissions for urban distribution
    • 12-, 16- and 19-tonne GVW variants
    • Ranges of up to 350 kilometres
    • Battery charging from 20 to 80% in only 40 to 70 minutes
    • Dedicated sales support, planning advice, training and range of static and portable PACCAR chargers
  • Powerful and efficient PACCAR PX-5 and PX-7 engines
    • 124 kW (170 hp) to 227 kW (310 hp).
    • Peak torque at low engine speeds for down-speeding and class leading fuel efficiency
    • 8-speed, fully automatic PowerLine transmission
    • Ready for HVO (up to 90% CO2 reduction ‘well-to-wheel’)
  • New standards in safety
    • Full set of ADAS systems
    • Outstanding direct vision
  • New standards in driver comfort
    • High quality Day, Extended Day and Sleeper Cabs
    • Outstanding accessibility
    • New customisable digital display
    • Best-in-class manoeuvrability
  • New DAF XBC for Construction applications
    • High ground clearance of 255mm
    • Excellent approach angle of 25 degrees

The new DAF XB builds upon DAF Trucks’ market leading position in the UK distribution sector between 7.5- and 18-tonnes GVW. The new distribution models will continue and enhance the lightweight and middleweight DAF rigid’s characteristics of outstanding manoeuvrability, an impressively small turning circle, great driver visibility and class-leading cab comfort, all built around a robust and reliable chassis and driveline.

The new DAF XB series – which will enter production in the fourth quarter of 2023 – represents a new series of class-leading distribution trucks, offering a tailor-made solution for all urban and regional applications including many vocational applications. The range includes ultra-modern ‘zero emission’ electric powertrains, demonstrating DAF’s environmental leadership. Together with the new standards in efficiency, safety and driver comfort, the DAF XB series is ready for the livable city.

With the addition the new XB series, DAF completes its New Generation line-up, sitting alongside XD, XF, XG and XG+ trucks for distribution, long haul and vocational applications – all introduced over the course of just 18-months. The New Generation XB – including a 19-tonne XBC construction model– completes DAF’s extensive, multiple award-winning product range.

Zero emission city distribution
 DAF Trucks was the first European truck manufacturer to offer a range of battery electric trucks to the market, while further expanding its environmental credentials with New Generation XD and XF Electric models.

Today, DAF further expands its zero-emission product offering with the new DAF XB Electric which is ideally suited to sustainable inner-city and regional distribution operations. Next to 16- and 19-tonne GVW models, a 12-tonne model with 17.5-inch wheels and a single entry-step is available. Wheelbases start from 4.2 metres.

The e-motor propelling the XB Electric provides 120 or 190 kW of nominal power depending on specification, and a nominal torque of 950 and 1,850 Nm respectively (2,600 and 3,500 Nm peak). For the lowest possible environmental impact and highest durability, DAF employs cobalt and magnesium-free, lithium iron phosphate (LFP – Lithium Ferro Phosphate) high energy-density battery packs with a gross energy content of 141 up to 282 kWh. These allow XB Electric ranges of up to 350 kilometres of ultra-quiet, zero emission operation; more than enough to satisfy the needs of urban distribution transport applications.

Fast and slow charging
A special feature of the new DAF XB Electric is the ‘Combined Charging System’. This allows the truck to be charged through the regular electricity network and is ideal when vehicles return to base at the end of the day. Rapid charging the batteries (650V DC, 150 kW) from 20% to 80% takes a mere 40 to 70 minutes, depending on specification.

To support customers optimally in the transition to zero emission road transport, DAF’s comprehensive offering also includes a broad range of PACCAR charging solutions, advice on planning of routes and charging, and the provision of dedicated training for drivers to get the best out of their vehicles.

Highly efficient PACCAR engines
 Next to the innovative, fully battery electric powertrain, the new DAF XB is available with 4.5 litre 4-cylinder PACCAR PX-5 and 6.7 litre 6-cylinder PACCAR PX-7 engines with outputs from 124 kW (170 hp) to 227 kW (310 hp). Both modern and powerful engines develop peak torque at low engine speeds, supporting down-speeding and class leading fuel efficiency.

The PACCAR PX-5 and PX-7 engines are ready for the application of HVO, reducing CO2emissions with up to 90% (‘well-to-wheel’).

PowerLine automatic gearboxes
The DAF XB with PX-5 and PX-7 engines are offered in combination with an 8-speed, fully automatic PowerLine transmission, with optimal gear spread and steps. Powershifting with no torque interruption enables smooth shifts and quick throttle response, resulting in outstanding comfort and driveability. In addition, the transmission provides excellent low speed manoeuvrability thanks to the urge-to-move feature upon releasing the brake pedal.

6- and 9-speed manual transmissions are also available for the DAF XB series, while fully automatic Allison gearboxes can be ordered for special applications.

Factory-built bodies
 The new DAF XB is offered with a range of factory-designed and built PACCAR Box, Aerobody and Curtainside options, for both diesel-powered and XB Electric variants.

Bodybuilder-friendliness

Best-in-class vehicle efficiency is also delivered through an extensive range of wheelbases (up to 6.9 metres) and chassis lengths, allowing for bodywork of over nine metres in length, ensuring the best vehicle configuration for the job. Low kerb weights result in high payloads for optimal return per kilometre.

The new DAF XB and XBC both feature new plug-and play-integration, sharing the same electrical and electronic architecture as their New Generation stablemates,

designed and built at the home of DAF truck manufacturing in the UK, Leyland Trucks.

In addition, the chassis of the XB series features a new grid pattern for excellent bodybuilder-friendliness. Enhancements include pre-defined chassis lay-outs with repositioned fuel tanks, exhaust systems, batteries and air tanks, specifically meant for road sweepers and tippers.

New standard in safety

The new DAF XB distribution truck is available with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems for class leading safety and driver comfort.

  • Class-leading safety standards for city and regional distribution
    • Drive-off assist
    • DAF Side &Turn Assist
    • Rear-view camera
    • Speed limit recognition
    • Tyre pressure monitoring system
    • DAF drowsiness detector
    • Alcohol interlock installation
    • Event data recorder

The latest AEBS system (Advanced Emergency Braking System) now uses both a radar and a camera to detect both vehicles and vulnerable road users (VRUs). The system alerts the driver when vulnerable road users are in front of the vehicle (Drive-off Assist). DAF Side Assist alerts when another road user, such as another vehicle, is to the nearside and DAF Turn Assist is active at speeds up to 30 km/h to and warns in case cyclists are in the vehicle’s blind spot. The new DAF Drowsiness Detection assesses the driver’s alertness and warns when a break is needed.

Furthermore, each XB comes with Speed Limit Recognition which recognises speed limits and informs the driver. The Event Data Recorder records images and data when an AEB event is triggered or when the time to collision with a vehicle or VRU, is below 0.5 seconds.

Outstanding direct vision is realised by the low cab positioning, the large windscreen and side windows and their low window belt lines. As an option, a Kerb View Window is available for an unobstructed view on other road users on the co-driver’s side. The slim design of the new mirrors allows for the perfect combination of direct and indirect vision for the driver.

New standard in driver comfort

With the XB, DAF once again underlines its enviable reputation for producing trucks with huge appeal to drivers. The comfort-packed Day, Extended Day and Sleeper Cabs all have perfectly positioned entry steps, wide-opening doors and a low cab position for outstanding accessibility. The comfortable seats feature the same soft-woven upholstery as the DAF XD, XF, XG and XG+ trucks, with which the New Generation XB also shares the high level of fit and finish, the new steering wheel and the eye-catching 12-inch digital display on the dashboard showing all vehicle-related information at a glance and fully configurable to drivers’ preferences.

Drivers will find the new DAF XB a joy to drive. Thanks to a spacious yet compact cab design, and unique manoeuvrability and small turning circle, DAF’s new distribution truck is extremely agile; a huge advantage in challenging urban road networks.

XBC for Construction applications
Alongside the XB series for on-road applications, DAF is also introducing the XBC series, which excels when the going gets tough, particularly in the construction segment, and also for a wide range of utility applications. The XBC is available as an 18-tonne chassis featuring a high ground clearance of 255mm, a large approach angle of 25 degrees, a steel front radiator plate to protect the engine bay and a sturdy lava-grey steel bumper.

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