DAF XD Electric duo 'ideal' for renowned HGV training school

“We ran the figures and it made sense,” says Paul Moon, Managing Director of 2 Start Training. “Not only the headline figure, but the reduced running costs too.”

After several months of delivering lessons, the 2 Start Training team have been impressed by the suitability of electric XDs. Moon explained, “The students love being in the trucks, as do the instructors. From a driver’s perspective, especially with the full DAF Digital Vision System installed, the XD Electric is by far the best truck I’ve ever driven.”

The XD 350 FT Electric delivers 350 kW of power to the road from 525kWh battery packs, allowing it to cover up to 300 miles between visits to the plug. The trucks have a maximum charging speed of up to 325 kW, enabling the batteries to be charged from 20-80% in less than an hour. However, 2 Start Training charges the vehicles overnight using a PacMobile portable charger which simply plugs into their existing 3-phase supply. The PACCAR EX-D2 electric power unit comprises twin electric motors which serve both as a retarder and as a regenerative braking system to feed energy back into the batteries on the move, and a fully automated three-speed gearbox to manage power delivery.

The training provider believes that the electric XDs are the ideal training trucks for the next generation of drivers, given the lack of noise. “It’s so much nicer for both pupil and instructor to not battle to be heard over a diesel engine,” explains Moon. “Especially in those early sessions where confidence isn’t as strong.”

The instant torque from the XD Electric is also a benefit to the students. “One of the biggest failure points in the Class 1 test is blocking roundabouts because it takes so long to build up speed, so being able to get going more quickly really does matter,” Moon adds.

Going electric was not solely about performance or being cost-efficient for 2 Start Training. “Electric trucks align with our ethos, too,” Moon explains. “They’re different, attract interest in 2 Start Training and help to incentivise trucking to a new generation.” 

There was a learning curve involved in introducing electric DAFs to the company’s fleet, but any initial uncertainties were quickly put to rest. “We received excellent support from Adams Morey and DAF,” claims Moon. “We’re using a PACCAR PacMobile portable charging unit to keep the trucks topped up. Plugging the vehicles in has become second nature to us and part of the close down routine.
 
“While we’re not under any pressure to replace our wider fleet at the moment, I’m excited to see the product range continue to develop ahead of more electric DAFs joining us in the years to come.”

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