Offering drivers better access to electric charging, DAF Trucks has joined the HDV Booking consortium. The platform is designed to allow people to reserve public truck charging points across Europe. The idea is it will improve charging availability and streamline the charging process.
The consortium includes charging facility providers, card reader systems, transporters and software developers. By being able to search for and reserve charging points, route planning for electric vehicles should be much easier. In theory, this should minimise waiting times and help operators to maximise range by planning strategic charging stops in line with charging availability. The platform is due to be operational in Europe by 2026.
Bart Bosmans, director marketing and sales and a member of the board of management at DAF Trucks said: “An optimal booking system requires all electric vehicles, as well as charging points and planning software, to be connected to each other. The ability to take factors like traffic congestion and the driver’s rest periods into consideration will lead to more optimal use of both the public charging infrastructure and electric vehicles.”
The DAF XD Electric and DAF XF Electric offer ranges up to 500km on a single charge. With charging during the day, range could be increased to 1000km, facilitating longer distance routes. As public charging infrastructure develops, digital solutions will be key to support operators in maximising the range and functionality of their vehicles.
Bosmans said: “Access to more information on the availability of public charging stations is an important step in increasing the availability of electric trucks for long distance transport. DAF’s decision to team up with HDV Booking underlines our position as a partner in the energy transition. After all, in addition to a full range of electric trucks, we also offer our customers charging stations and specialised advice and training.”
