DAF TRUCKS

DAF Trucks is a global leading heavy commercial vehicle manufacturer, headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, and belonging to the American PACCAR Group. Founded in 1928, the brand is renowned globally for superior fuel efficiency, driver comfort, and innovative aerodynamic design.

In 2026, DAF achieved milestone accomplishments in the commercial vehicle sector: its new generation DAF XD and XF electric trucks won the "International Truck of the Year 2026" award. With the mass production of the XG and XG+ electric versions in May 2026, DAF has built a full series zero-emission product matrix covering urban distribution, regional delivery, and long-haul logistics, establishing its leadership position in the European and global electric commercial vehicle market.

History

DAF's history is a microcosm of continuous evolution in truck engineering, especially welcoming a full explosion of electrification in 2026:

Century-old Foundation (1928-2020): From early semi-trailer manufacturing to independent truck production and innovative Variomatic transmission technology, DAF has long held a top position in the European truck market.

New Generation Product Transformation (2021-2024): In 2021, DAF utilized new EU quality and dimension regulations to launch the XF, XG, and XG+ series, becoming the first European car company to optimize aerodynamics by elongating the cab. Subsequently, the XD and XB series, suitable for distribution and construction, were launched.

Electrification and Moments of Glory (2026):

January 2026: The brand released the flagship model XG and XG+ Electric, introducing pure electric power to the ultra-large space long-haul cab.

First Quarter 2026: DAF won the title of "2026 International Truck" and secured the number one share of the UK electric truck market.

May 2026: The factory in Eindhoven officially started mass production of the XG/XG+ electric models. The first mass-produced vehicle was delivered to German logistics giant Hellmold & Plank.

Product Portfolio

In 2026, DAF's product line achieved "dual-track parallel" operation of fuel and electric powertrains, with its cab space and energy efficiency indicators at the industry forefront:

XB Series (Urban Delivery): Covering 12 to 19 tons, this series focuses on urban narrow road delivery. The XB Electric provides up to 350 km of zero-emission range.

XD Series (Regional Logistics/Construction): Honored as the 2026 International Truck of the Year, the XD Electric features a low-drag design and large vision windows, making it ideal for urban sanitation and regional logistics.

XF Series (Long-haul Transport): A classic benchmark for mainline logistics, the XF Electric adopts efficient LFP batteries, allowing daily mileage to reach 1,000 km with fast charging.

XG / XG+ Series (Flagship Long-haul): The XG+ Electric is the largest pure electric truck in the world by space, with a cab length of 2.69 meters and a volume of up to 12.5 cubic meters. It is equipped with the PACCAR EX-D2 motor, delivering an output power of 270-350 kW (480 hp) and a peak torque of 2,400 Nm.

Market Performance

2026 marked a year of comprehensive leap in DAF's market position. In the UK, DAF relied on mature PACCAR Finance financial solutions and DAF MultiSupport maintenance systems to successfully top the electric truck sales chart in the first quarter of 2026.

On the European continent, DAF's market share continued to remain above 17%, with significant advantages especially in the heavy-duty tractor field. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO calculations for the 2026 electric models show that within a 5-year, 500,000 km operation cycle, the XB series electric vehicle can save about £19,000 compared to diesel vehicles of the same class. These significant economic benefits have accelerated the carbon transition of logistics enterprises.

Technology and Innovation 

DAF's technological leadership in 2026 is mainly reflected in efficient power and digital safety:

LFP Battery Technology: All electric vehicles adopt high thermal stability Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, which contain no cobalt or nickel. They support an 8-year warranty and can be charged to 100% daily without damaging battery life.

Excellent Aerodynamics: The tapered cab design, curved windshield, and replacement of physical rearview mirrors with digital cameras have improved fuel and electricity utilization rates by more than 10% compared to older models.

PACCAR Connect: This new generation online fleet management system provides real-time electricity prediction, charging route planning, and driver behavior analysis.

Hydrogen Energy Exploration: In May 2026, the hydrogen fuel internal combustion engine (H2ICE) DAF LF prototype, developed by partners, passed road test certification in the UK. This marks DAF's reserve in multi-path zero-emission technology.

Future Outlook

DAF's goal is to achieve 50% zero-emission models among its delivered vehicles before 2030. Over the next three years, the brand will continue to deepen its application of autonomous driving, fully active suspension, and Megawatt Charging System (MCS) technology.

With the rollout of the XG series electric vehicles in the global market in the second half of 2026, DAF intends not only to defend its reputation as the "Driver's Favorite Truck" but also, leveraging its deep engineering accumulation, to continue leading the "green revolution" of the commercial vehicle industry in the new era of intelligent logistics.