To underline DAF’s focus on innovation as part of drive to enhance fuel efficiency, lower CO2 emissions and improve productivity, DAF has confirmed that the Future Truck Chassis Concept (FTCC) will be on display at the CV Show later this month in Birmingham.
Thanks to a number of patented chassis design innovations, in combination with lightweight materials and components, DAF’s FTCC achieves a remarkable weight saving of 500kg on DAF’s 12-tonne LF chassis platform – which already offers a low kerb weight for highest payload. Featuring independent front air suspension, the FTCC also makes extensive use of aluminium.
Another patented innovation is the integrated body floor structure, achieved by incorporating the body sub-frame into the main chassis side members.
Designed primarily as a distribution vehicle, DAF’s FTCC was developed as a collaborative project with Sapa Profiles UK and CSA Group, and co-funded by the UK Government’s Innovate UK.
Reducing weight, or ‘light weighting’, through the use of novel designs and materials is just one part of a multifaceted approach by DAF Trucks to future vehicle design. The exhibition of the FTCC at the CV Show follows the showing another of DAF’s innovation vehicles at the IAA in Hanover in last September. Using hybridisation to capture regenerative energy in a lithium-ion battery pack, the innovative XF is capable of electric only driving for short distances. With the prospect of zero emission zones in a number of major European cities from the mid 2020’s such technologies will enable regional and long distance trucks to deliver the ‘final mile’ with zero tail-pipe emissions and low noise.
Platooning
DAF Trucks is also a key player in the evaluation of predictive, connected and collaborative driving as demonstrated during the European Truck Platooning Challenge last year. Truck Platooning uses automated driving technology to allow trucks to drive a short distance apart. The second vehicle automatically follows the first using Wi-Fi, radar and cameras. Running in close proximity offers benefits in terms of fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, road safety and traffic flow.
DAF Transport Efficiency – committed to lowering emissions
“We continue to develop additional fuel savings and CO2 emissions reduction opportunities to maintain our cost advantage and environmental leadership”, says Ron Borsboom, Director Product Development. “Over the last decade,” he says, “average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from a long-distance truck have been reduced by 14%, and we continue to reduce that even further”
He adds, “Additional steps will be made, with the new masses and dimensions legislation approved by the European Parliament. Enhanced aerodynamics will result in reduced CO2 emissions. There is also an opportunity to improve the driver’s field of vision. Once the legislation is finalised,” he said, “the industry will have the opportunity to invest in solutions which make further CO2 reductions and enhanced safety possible. We look forward to the final rules.”
