Decision based on real-world criteria
The International Truck of the Year award is built on a simple but demanding principle: the winning truck must make a measurable contribution to transport efficiency. That requirement covers everything from innovation and energy use to safety, comfort and drivability. With this framework applied across rigorous test drives, assessments and technical reviews, the DAF XD Electric and XF Electric were consistently rated highly by the jury.
Their driveline performance was one of the first things to draw attention. Jury members described the trucks’ behaviour on the road as smooth, predictable and impressively refined for vehicles of their size and output. Powered by PACCAR’s EX-D1 and EX-D2 electric motors, the trucks offer performance suited to both distribution and regional applications. Their battery systems provide operating ranges that exceed the limits traditionally associated with first-generation electric commercial vehicles. Depending on specifications and charging plans, the XD and XF Electric are capable of covering over 500km on a single charge, and more than 1,000km per day with intelligent charging schedules.
Why the jury favoured DAF
Alongside performance, the design philosophy behind the trucks played a substantial role in the final decision. DAF has opted for a central electric motor paired with a traditional rear axle rather than an e-axle configuration. In testing, this setup delivered not only excellent energy efficiency but also strong weight distribution across different body and axle configurations. For operators, that means a single technical platform that suits a broad range of applications without forcing compromises.
The latest generation of DAF cabs, shared across the brand’s New Generation range, also contributed to the win. The low cab position, expanded visibility, digital camera systems and thoughtful layout all supported the safety narrative that the jury prioritised. Driver comfort, often a differentiator in long-distance workforces facing retention pressure, was another area where the XD and XF Electric showed maturity. The trucks feel designed not just to be driven, but to be lived in.
The aerodynamic improvements achieved across the new range – DAF cites a 9% gain – provide tangible efficiency benefits. In practice, this translates into more range from the same battery pack and more cost-effective operation over time, which are key considerations for fleets assessing the viability of electric adoption.
Competition and context
The XD Electric and XF Electric finished the final vote with 92 points, ahead of both diesel and electric competitors. MAN’s D30 PowerLion, an advanced diesel model, provided noteworthy competition, while China’s SANY e435 made its mark as the first Chinese-built truck ever to reach the International Truck of the Year shortlist. Rounding off the list of contenders were the MAN eTGS and the Scania Super 11.
What makes DAF’s win notable is its consistency. The company previously won International Truck of the Year for the New Generation XF, XG and XG+ in 2022 and the XD in 2023. Securing a third title in five years suggests that the engineering direction behind the New Generation series is not just timely but well aligned with the operational realities.
What the win means for South Africa
While the award is global, its implications extend to markets like South Africa where the discussion around future drivetrains is gaining momentum. Babcock, the distributor of DAF in South Africa, sees the recognition as both encouraging and relevant to local operators assessing long-term decisions.
Mark Gavin, sales director for DAF Trucks at Babcock, says the verdict helps reinforce confidence in the direction DAF has taken.
“The International Truck of the Year award is the highest recognition in our industry, and having the New Generation XD and XF Electric crowned the 2026 winners is incredibly significant for DAF South Africa. It reinforces that we are aligned with the very best global engineering, technology and safety standards.
“DAF doesn’t innovate for headlines – we innovate for operators’ real-world business cases. Our engineers work closely with fleet customers, dealers and service partners, meaning the feedback loop between the road and the design office is extremely short. That’s why our New Generation models have repeatedly won International Truck of the Year.
“We knew the XD and XF Electric were strong products, but the competition was tough. When the announcement came through, it felt like recognition not only for DAF globally but for every Babcock employee here in South Africa,” he concludes.
