One of the biggest, figuratively and literally, debuts at the IAA 2010 in Hanover was the arrival of a 12-tonne LF45 parallel hybrid truck from DAF Trucks.
The vehicle, which will enter production at the end of this year, was developed in collaboration with Eindhoven University of Technology, Leyland Trucks Ltd and Eaton, and is the result of an extensive two-year field test looking at daily use with customers both in the UK and on the continent.
The DAF LF45 Hybrid.
It is fitted with a 4.5litre PACCAR FR diesel engine which complies with ultra-low EEV emission requirements without a soot filter. It produces a maximum power of 118kW/160hp with an electric motor installed between the clutch and the gearbox that is able to provide drive as well as functioning as a generator. Energy released during braking is stored for re-use through regenerative braking and depending on the degree of charge of the lithium-ion batteries a central computer will determine when the diesel engine needs to provide drive and when the electric motor is used. The vehicle is also fitted with a start-stop system.
The DAF LF Hybrid also comes with a current transformer which is used to convert alternating current that is supplied by the generator into direct current for the batteries.
Initially, DAF will supply the vehicle in the UK, Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands and depending on its success it may be introduced to other markets.
