Spain / Netherlands – In October, a cohort of UK journalists flew out to sunny Malaga to drive DAF Trucks NV new generation ICE truck range (XB, XD, XF, XG and XG+) designed for long haul and distribution applications. The Dutch OEM has introduced significant enhancements to its new generation truck series, focusing on three key areas: efficiency, safety, and comfort.

Truck safety and performance

The performance upgrades were obvious, stemming from the PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 engine optimisations which feature new valve timing (Miller cycle), a dual drive coolant pump, and updated turbocharger/EGR systems. This, along with improved aerodynamic design, contributes to a 10% - 13% fuel efficiency gain, according to DAF. The rear axle innovations have meant enhanced strength with new pinion designs and optimised ratios for down-speeding. As an aside, engines are also prepared for B100 FAME biodiesel.

Besides performance, new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) upgrades include an event data recorder that captures emergency situational data (crashes and collisions) and features an enhanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS) with upgraded radar sensors and cameras for full autonomous emergency braking. A new vulnerable road user protection feature incorporates side and turn assist and drive-off assist which helps alert drivers to blind spot hazards. Finally, the new DAF Drowsiness Detection system assesses the driver’s alertness which can then recommend the driver to take a break.

Working closely with operators, Raoul Wijnands, project manager for testing at DAF, stated, that feedback confirmed driver retention remains a key concern for operators throughout Europe and so this aspect of driver comfort, increasingly becomes one of the key focal points in the design of new-generation trucks. Lower engine RPMs translate into noise reduction which enhances drivability. Smoother gear shifts and a connected navigation app for efficient route management also take the stress out of the driving experience.

A fully digital dashboard coupled with the DAF navigation and infotainment system offers Bluetooth, radio and streaming services. An optional refrigerator for food and beverages, integrated cup holders and storage compartments offer more driver comforts.

HVO

In a bid to reduce CO2 emissions, Wijnands announced that these new generation combustion engine trucks are able to use Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO)*, a biofuel the company claims can reduce CO2 by 90% compared to diesel. For operators, these new generation trucks can utilise HVO without any modifications** whilst emulating their performance and service intervals of up to 200,000 kilometres. DAF’s LF and XD series as well as certain XF, XG and XG+ trucks are now HVO-ready.

Patrick Dean, Chief Engineer at DAF Trucks said:

DAF is at the forefront of our society’s ambition to reduce CO2 emissions. In 2018 we were the first to launch a fully electric truck and last year we presented a completely new generation of electric trucks with ‘zero-emission’ ranges of up to 500 kilometres. We are also getting ready for the new generations of fuels. HVO is enabling us to make a giant leap in the reduction of CO2 emissions, already today, with the current trucks on the market and more importantly ‘well-to-wheel’. When it comes to CO2 certification of trucks, it would be a huge step forward if European legislation would value the contribution of clean fuels to reduce CO2 emissions, as we cannot afford to leave opportunities unused to achieve sustainable road transport. This should expand focus on the total chain – from energy source up to what’s coming out of the exhaust – instead of focusing on ‘tank-to-wheel’ only.

Paccar Connect: driving efficiency gains through leveraging “big data”

A significant amount of financial resources have been ploughed into the development of Paccar Connect, which is the company’s online fleet management platform introduced by DAF in its new generation truck series. OEMs realise that fleet management software that can leverage big swaths of data can drive operational efficiency if collected, coagulated and disseminated correctly. The system collects data from trucks equipped with Paccar’s telematics module. This data is transmitted to the cloud for processing and analysis, with the software using advanced in-house-built algorithms to provide actionable insights into vehicle performance, driver behaviour, location, and diagnostics.

For the end user, Paccar Connect is accessed through a detachable tablet in the cab and on any smart device remotely. This provides real-time information on the performance of entire fleets, individual vehicles, and drivers as well as logistical information. This is a result of “over-the-air updates” integrated into the system. All of this is designed to optimise the returns on truck operations.

The platform allows for easy integration with most third-party software. This means that Paccar Connect can be integrated into warehouse logistics software speeding up the loading/unloading at warehouses. This is coupled with geofencing, which notifies the destination (home base/warehouse) when the vehicle is nearing its final destination.

This software provides operators with valuable fleet data relating to vehicle performance, fuel consumption, driver behaviour and GPS/logistical data helping operators run fleets more efficiently. The “Eco Score” tab pulls up information on the driver’s performance whilst “Vehicle Health” allows operators insights into vehicle performance and maintenance scheduling/booking. Furthermore, the software turns this data into reports that can be sent via email to various operational departments, detailing the data of a particular vehicle and/or fleet. This fleet management software now comes as standard for 10 years.

Raoul Wijnands, project manager for testing at DAF Trucks

*What is HVO fuel?

HVO, short for hydrotreated vegetable oil, is a biofuel derived from animal, plant or algae remains. Unlike traditional liquid fuels like fossil petroleum, natural gas and coal, biofuels like HVO are considered to be renewable energy sources. This is because the materials used for creating HVO diesel can be quickly and easily replenished.

HVO is a paraffinic bio-based liquid fuel created by either hydrogenation or hydrocracking of vegetable oil. Hydrocracking is the process of breaking down larger molecules through the use of hydrogen. Hydrogenation, on the other hand, is the process of adding hydrogen to vegetable oil molecules.

By using either of these methods, substitutes for gasoline, fossil fuel, diesel, and other non-renewable fuels can be created. Because the materials used for the creation of HVO can be easily replenished, these fuels are often referred to as green or renewable diesel.

HVO is often derived from waste products and fats sourced from the food industry, making it an environmentally responsible choice. Unlike many other biofuels, HVO tends to have very little impact on food production.

Source: https://hvofueluk.co.uk

**A Video on HVO use in DAF Trucks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naiLPM_XLKw&t=39s