DAF hands over 33 XD Electric trucks to Contargo, marking a significant milestone in the logistics industry's transition to sustainable transportation. This partnership showcases the growing adoption of electric vehicles in the commercial sector.
The collaboration between DAF and Contargo began in 2019 when Contargo integrated two electric trucks from the DAF CF series into its fleet. Now, in the second phase, Contargo is set to gradually incorporate 33 XD Electric trucks into its operations, as announced by DAF. This delivery is described as one of the largest simultaneous handovers of battery-electric trucks in Germany, highlighting the commitment to electrification.
The XD Electric is a versatile truck designed for urban, regional, and long-distance distribution transport. It joins DAF's growing lineup of electric trucks, including the XF Electric, XG, XG+, and XB Electric models. These vehicles represent DAF's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the trucking industry.
DAF's transition from the old to the current generation of battery-electric trucks faced challenges. The XD and XF Electric were unveiled in 2022, but series production in Eindhoven faced delays, eventually starting in the final quarter of 2025. This delay was due to a focus on thoroughness over haste, ensuring the quality of the new electric trucks.
The XD Electric trucks for Contargo are equipped with advanced features, including a Sleeper High Cab with a volume of 9.53 cubic meters, a 4x2 axle configuration, a 350 kW powertrain, and five LFP battery packs with a total capacity of 525 kWh. These specifications provide optimal performance and range, meeting Contargo's requirements for short-haul container transport.
Contargo, founded in 2004 by the Rhenus Group, has been a pioneer in the adoption of electric trucks. The company has successfully implemented all e-truck projects approved under the KsNI funding guideline, with 90 e-trucks in operation. Contargo's transport network spans Germany and neighboring countries, and it has been actively preparing for the electrification of its fleet.
As part of this expansion, Contargo is building one of Germany's largest private fast-charging networks with 90 charging points across 15 locations. This infrastructure supports the growing fleet of electric trucks and demonstrates Contargo's commitment to a sustainable future.
The partnership between DAF and Contargo highlights the importance of long-term relationships in the successful adoption of electric trucks. Both companies emphasize the reliability of electrification pathways and the potential for consistent utilization and scaling of available technologies in real-world conditions. This collaboration serves as a model for the industry's transition to sustainable transportation.
