The new generation of DAF electric truck models have been awarded the International Truck of the Year for 2026.
The DAF New Generation XD and XF electric trucks won the award, with DAF Trucks president Harald Seidel receiving the prestigious award at the Solutrans exhibition in Lyon, France.
It marks the third time DAF has won the award in the past five years after the New Generation XF/XG/XG+ and XF became International Trucks of the Year in 2022 and 2023.
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In line with the rules of the International Truck of the Year (IToY) organisation, the title is awarded annually to the vehicle introduced in the previous 12 months that has made the greatest contribution to road transport efficiency. The assessment covers a range of criteria, including technological innovation, comfort, safety, drivability, energy efficiency, environmental performance and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
The jury of 23 leading commercial vehicle journalists from across Europe praised DAF’s XD and XF Electric truck series for their exceptional energy efficiency, refined yet powerful driveline and advanced technical architecture.
The award-winning vehicles were recognised for their long driving ranges, advantageous LFP battery technology and superior driver comfort.
“During extensive test drives, jury members praised the XD and XF Electric for the perfection of their drivelines and the almost imperceptible gear changes. The modular vehicle concept, offering a wide choice of battery and axle configurations provide operators an exceptional flexibility,” International Truck of the Year jury chairman Florian Engel says.
“With the new XD and XF Electric, DAF Trucks demonstrates that the combination of a central electric motor and a traditional rear axle can be at least as energy-efficient as a driveline with an e-axle.
“Moreover, this DAF configuration provides perfect weight distribution, enabling virtually all use cases to be covered by a single technical platform.”
The XD and XF Electric trucks are powered by PACCAR’s advanced EX-D1 and EX-D2 e-motors, delivering outputs from 170 kW (230 hp) to 350 kW (480 hp). With modular battery packs ranging from 210 to 525 kWh, the 4×2 and 6×2 tractor and rigid vehicles offer zero-emission ranges of over 500 kilometres on a single charge, and even over 1,000 kilometres per day thought optimal charging planning.
“Winning the International Truck of the Year 2026 with our XD and XF Electric models is a moment of pride for all DAF employees,” DAF president Harald Seidel says.
“This recognition underlines our commitment to drive the future of zero-emission transport through innovation, quality, and sustainability. We are thrilled that the jury of leading commercial vehicle journalists acknowledges the vehicles’ efficiency, safety and exceptional driver comfort.
“Receiving the most prestigious award in the truck industry is another recognition of the hard work of the entire DAF organisation to deliver first class products and services to our customers.”
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