All of DAF’s Truck Sales Centres are set to become certified Electric Truck Centres that will employ trained specialists helping customers transition to zero emissions.
Each of the 34 DAF Truck Sales Centres across the UK and Ireland are being visited to train and familiarise staff on all aspects of electric trucks and their operational capabilities.
This hands-on experience is designed to build confidence and knowledge on electric trucks throughout the DAF Dealer Network.
Sites will include fast charging capability with a minimum of a 180kW DC charger, while other DAF Service Centres will be equipped with a minimum 24kW charger in their workshops.
The move, which will form part of a DAF Trucks consultative sales process involving its battery electric truck specialists and battery electric charger specialists, will see at least one locally based DAF electric truck demonstrator available for customer evaluation.
Customers will also have access to a national demonstrator fleet, including a choice of configurations and body types to test a broad range of applications.
DAF Trucks says its participation in the recent Battery Electric Truck Trial (BETT) has been instrumental in the development of its own electric truck strategy, with insights gained from the trial allowing its specialists to guide operators through their own transition to zero emissions transport, such as by providing route analysis and charging protocols.
An opportunity also exists for the DAF charging network to offer single-point invoicing for energy and access to charging data that can be fed into their own fleet management systems for DAF electric truck operators.
The aim is to have a full UK-wide network of chargers, ensuring customer vehicles can be charged while in for service or maintenance, crucial in maximising uptime by ensuring sufficient charge for the next work shift.
Adam Bennett, EV & Sustainability Manager at DAF Trucks, said: “We’re right on track ready for the deployment of electric trucks into the market.
“Our experience on the BETT has been invaluable, allowing us to invest strategically in the network. We’ve assessed the market, gauged customer acceptance, performed cost analyses and we’re confident that we’re transitioning the DAF Dealer network at the right pace.”
Gary Carpenter, Chair of the DAF Trucks National Dealer Council, said: “The DAF Dealer Network is committed to supporting our customers as they transition to zero emissions and, by investing in the right locations at the right pace, we can ensure we have the personnel, expertise and infrastructure in place for them.”
