DAF XG Electric: the Dutch company has just delivered the first electric truck with 480 HP

DAF has started the mass production of XG Electric and XG⁺ Electric at its Eindhoven plant. The goal of the Dutch company with this announcement is to complete the electrification of its entire range of trucks for long-distance transport. The first produced unit, an XG⁺ tractor with 350 kW (480 HP), is already destined for the German logistics company Hellmold & Plank from Gießen, a family-run business with 122 years of experience that already operates a mixed fleet of electric DAF vehicles for shuttle transport and drugstore supply.

The two new models share the electric platform with XD Electric and XF Electric, jointly awarded as "International Truck of the Year 2026". These electric trucks are based on the PACCAR EX-D2 powertrain, available in three power steps: 270, 310, and 350 kW (up to 480 HP), with a maximum torque of 2,400 Nm. The transmission is a three-speed with planetary gears, a choice that allows smooth acceleration from a standstill with a full load without sacrificing efficiency while driving. As noted in the official statement, the vehicles are entirely produced in Eindhoven on a dedicated line for BEV models, physically separated from the ICE line but integrated within the historical production site.

The energy configuration includes three to five modularly mounted LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery packs from CATL on the chassis, with total capacities ranging from 315 to 525 kWh. The flexible mounting guarantees the same versatility of setup as the diesel models. With five packs, the declared range exceeds 500 km under zero-emission conditions. DC charging reaches 325 kW: with three packs it is possible to charge from 10% to 80% in about 45 minutes; with five packs the time increases to about two hours. The batteries come with an 8-year warranty, are free from cobalt and nickel, and tolerate daily 100% charging without significant degradation.

Comfort and aerodynamics at the top of the category XG Electric and XG⁺ Electric stand out from competitors mainly due to their cabin: the internal volume reaches 12.5 m³, with enough space to stand and a bed that is 80 cm wide, a significant detail for those living in the cabin for weeks. Compared to the XF Electric cabin, that of XG and XG⁺ is 33 centimeters longer and taller. The aerodynamic design with a curved windshield, rounded corners, sealed joints, and cameras instead of mirrors actively contributes to reducing consumption. The One Pedal Drive function, on the other hand, is adjustable in three steps (33%, 66%, 100%) via a column lever, allowing the driver to utilize regenerative braking without touching the brake pedal. For an in-depth look at the entire new generation electric range, here you can find the official DAF overview on the Italian market.

With XG and XG⁺ Electric in production, DAF now covers the entire spectrum of zero-emission heavy transport: from the XB Electric of 12 tons for urban distribution, to the XD Electric for regional, to the XF Electric for national, up to the new flagship models for international long hauls. Available chassis configurations include 4×2 tractors and 6×2 rigids, with steerable rear axles. DAF also offers a service package that includes driver training, route planning, installation of PACCAR charging stations, and fleet management through the PACCAR Connect platform.