Brakes, the UK’s leading foodservice provider, part of the global foodservice provider Sysco, is to put into service its first zero-emission DAF LF Electric vehicle.
The new 19-tonne vehicle sees Solomon Commercials collaborating with Brakes, DAF, and Frigoblock to design, develop, and produce a zero-emission refrigerated vehicle specifically for Brakes’ operation.
The DAF vehicle, designed and built at Leyland Trucks in Lancashire, will go into service in the coming weeks and signals Brakes’ commitment to moving to a low-carbon fleet.
Solomon designed the 8.5-metre body to minimise drag and optimise range while creating a body that maximised payload flexibility and requirements. The body also included a specifically designed tail-lift warning system, multi-point camera system, audio warning technologies and side infills to improve pedestrian and road user safety.
Brakes’ new vehicle also incorporates the Frigoblock FK2, which enables the vehicle to provide dual-zone temperature-controlled compartments, a frozen section toward the front of the body and a chilled one to the rear. Frigoblock’s FK2 unit also draws energy directly from the battery, achieving an annual 17-tonne CO2 saving.
The 19-tonne DAF LF Electric is powered by an electric motor developing 250kW nominal power (370kW peak) and nominal torque of 1,200Nm (3,700Nm peak). DAF’s latest LFP batteries provide a gross energy content of 282kWh (254 kWh effective) to give the vehicle a single charge range of 280km, ideal for urban distribution applications.
DAF’s LFP batteries contain no cobalt or magnesium, offering additional sustainability credentials for truck operators.
Ian Lang, Sales Manager at Solomon Commercials, said: “We’re very proud to have been approached to partner with Brakes, DAF and Frigoblock on this unique project. The team at Brakes had very specific requirements, so our technical team and partners set about designing an innovative solution that is ideally suited to meet their needs in terms of safety, practicality, and efficiency.
“Customers are increasingly looking to introduce carbon neutral policies and minimise the impact of their vehicles on the environment. Our technical team has been working with industry partners to ensure we have the innovations that help them achieve their objectives. The transition to zero-emission vehicles is picking up pace, and working with our partners, we’re well-placed to deliver the required solutions.”
