International Truck of the Year: DAF’s XD
DAF’s XD series was named International Truck of the Year 2023. Harald Seidel, President of DAF Trucks, received the highly sought-after trophy during an awards function held on the press day of the IAA Transportation exhibition in Hannover, Germany.
Based on the International Truck of the Year (IToY) rules, the annual award goes to the truck introduced into the market in the previous 12 months that makes the most significant contribution to road transport efficiency. Jury members consider several criteria, including technological innovation, comfort, safety, driveability, fuel economy, environmental footprint, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Spacious and aerodynamic truck
With the same DNA as the new generation heavy-duty XF, XG, and XG+ models, DAF's XD has taken full advantage of the EU's new mass and dimension regulations.
The result is a truck range that dramatically improves direct visibility (a key factor for distribution vehicles), a spacious and aerodynamic cab and an extremely fuel-efficient vehicle. It has high levels of active and passive safety, and it offers oodles of comfort to the driver.
The New Generation XD offers highly accessible and spacious cabs with volumes of up to 10 m3. Together with a Sleeper and Sleeper High Cab, a Day Cab is available that offers extended interior space as standard.
An ideal driving position is guaranteed through the impressive adjustment ranges of the seat and steering wheel. The striking and highly ergonomic dashboard features crystal clear and fully digital instrument panels. Ride and handling benefit from a new superior chassis front-end design, cab suspension and rear axle suspension.
During recent test drives in the Netherlands, the IToY journalists appreciated this driving position and the all-around enhanced visibility provided by a large, curved windscreen, side windows with low beltlines, and the optional kerb-view window.
DAF Digital Vision System gets thumbs up
The jury commented favourably on the DAF Digital Vision System (that replaces the traditional rear mirrors with retractable cameras mounted high on the cab). They also gave DAF Corner View (a camera that replaces the kerb and front view mirrors) the thumbs-up. These optional features improve the safety of vulnerable road users along congested urban roads.
The IToY journalists also praised the performance of the new highly efficient powertrain, based on the inline-six Paccar MX-11 engine, coupled with the ZF TraXon automated gearbox with advanced predictive features.
Summing up the jury vote, IToY Chairman Gianenrico Griffini commented: “With the introduction of the new XD series, DAF has delivered a state-of-the-art distribution truck family that sets a new benchmark in the automotive industry. Moreover, the new XD is also a suitable platform for the coming generation of battery electric vehicles.”
Truck Innovation Award: Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ eActros LongHaul
Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ eActros LongHaul – a concept prototype for heavy-duty long-distance transport – received the 2023 Truck Innovation Award during the same function. The trophy was given to Karin Rådström, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
The Truck Innovation Award – which acknowledges the enormous technological changes and energy transition within the automotive sector – is awarded by the IToY jury. This group comprises 25 commercial vehicle editors and senior journalists representing major trucking magazines from Europe and South Africa (Charleen Clarke, author of this article).
According to IToY rules, a Truck Innovation Award nominee must be an advanced-technology vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of over 3.5-tonnes fitted with an alternative driveline or fuel system. Otherwise, it must feature specific high-tech solutions concerning connectivity (semi- or fully autonomous driving systems), platooning capability, or advanced support services such as remote diagnostics.
Technological masterpiece
This truck is setting new standards when it comes to the longevity of e-trucks, thanks to its batteries that employ lithium-iron phosphate cell technology (LFP). These are characterized by a long service life and more usable energy. The batteries of the eActros LongHaul can be charged from 20 to 80% in well under 30 minutes at a charging station with an output of about one megawatt.
The IToY journalists were impressed by the advanced characteristics of the eActros LongHaul, particularly the LFP batteries, and the speed of Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ research and development process. Indeed, announced for the first time in 2020, the eActros LongHaul is already undergoing intensive testing. It will hit public roads for testing this year, and near-production prototypes will go to customers for real-world use testing in 2023. Market launch is planned for 2024.
The IToY journalists appreciated the compact dimensions of the tractor unit, which, within a wheelbase of four metres, accommodates three battery packs with a total installed capacity of over 600 kWh and two electric motors, as part of a new e-axle, with a continuous output of 400 kW.
"The Mercedes-Benz eActros LongHaul opens a new chapter towards e-mobility. It's proof that the transition to CO2-neutral long-haul transport is an achievable target, relying on hi-tech solutions and continuous research and development efforts,” noted the IToY’s Griffini during the awards function.
Charging solutions
Trucks such as the eActros LongHaul will obviously require charging. On this note, Daimler Truck, the Traton Group and the Volvo Group founded a joint venture in July. The joint venture plans to install and operate high-performance charge points for battery-powered heavy-duty trucks and coaches in Europe. The charging network initiated by the three parties will be open and accessible to all heavy commercial vehicles in Europe, regardless of brand.
In addition, Daimler Truck is participating in the “high-performance charging in long-distance truck transport” (HoLa) project, which was unpacked during the awards function. The goal of this project, under the patronage of the VDA (which organises the IAA), is the planning, construction and operation of a selected high-performance charging infrastructure for battery-electric long-haul trucking. Two high-performance Megawatt Charging System (MCS) charging points will be set up at four locations in Germany and tested during real-world use.
