DAF Trucks UK has been the market leader in the UK truck (trucks >6t) market for 30 years. T&BB analyses the reasons behind this continued success and poses the question, will DAF UK remain the market leader for the next 30 years as the industry transitions to zero emissions?

This vehicle is being utilised for regional distribution and long-haul deliveries as part of a UK-funded government project to demonstrate how battery-electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) can effectively replace conventional HGVs at scale on the UK road network.

We know that new electric HGVs carry a significant upfront cost compared to that of their diesel ICE equivalents. DAF is aiming to leverage big data and AI to drive efficiency gains for operators, ameliorating that initial cost.

Company already operates autonomous trucks on public highways

When it opens, the hub will host pilot testing with customers, leading onto full commercialisation in 2027.

The near-series production prototype was presented at eMobility Days in Berlin earlier this month. The orderbook is now open with series production set for 2026.

According to its trials so far, the hybrid system helps extend the range of the Hiace by 20%, increasing it to 250 km compared with models powered solely by a hydrogen engine.

With this pilot, Volvo hopes to earn “regulatory and public trust and acceptance of autonomous technologies”.

T&BB will be sure to keep you updated on the latest HVS news moving into 2025 but the recent departure of Ian Palmer (Managing Director) certainly doesn’t fill us with confidence moving into the year ahead.

The ultimate purpose of the project is to help address Japan’s increasing shortage of long-distance truck drivers.

The company showcased a new “inward gliding” or ‘IG’ door and a “slim line” door concept.

The company called the test a “milestone” on its path to commercialisation of self-driving trucks, which it aims to achieve by 2027.