New DAF XF: helps save up to 650,000 rubles

For a transport company, the fuel efficiency of trucks is considered an important factor. For example, the new DAF XF will help save about 650,000 rubles annually. As a result of a comparative test drive of four trucks, the new generation DAF XF showed a fuel consumption of 20.6 liters per 100 kilometers. According to this indicator, it turned out to be more economical than its competitors. In addition, the new product is almost 9 liters more economical than the previous model.

When choosing a new truck, most buying companies focus on fuel efficiency. This criterion significantly affects the cost of owning a truck. Following the main market trends, DAF has created a new line of XF trucks. They have become more economical, comfortable and reliable when compared to the previous model line. The fuel efficiency of the new DAF XF trucks was tested in real conditions on Russian roads.

During the test measurements of average fuel consumption and performance characteristics, four DAF trucks covered 430 kilometers along the Naberezhnye Chelny – Kazan – Naberezhnye Chelny route (M7 highway) with a total elevation difference of 2,188 meters. It took the trucks about 5.5 hours to cover this distance. During the test drive, which took place in the summer of 2020, the road conditions were as close as possible to the average freight transportation in Russia. Each tractor was coupled with a 13.6-metre long SCHMITZ SKO 24/L-13.4 FP60 COOL refrigerated semi-trailer.

The trailer contained a verified load of 15 tonnes, which corresponds to normal commercial operation and is slightly higher than the average vehicle load obtained from measurements over a year in 28 countries. Each truck was equipped with tyres with a mileage of 100,000 kilometres, and the tanks were filled with Euro-5 summer diesel fuel. The weather conditions corresponded to typical summer temperatures for central Russia: daytime temperature +22°C, wind 0–3 m/s, precipitation was rare and moderate. Trucks with different trim levels and engines took part in the fuel efficiency tests. So, the following models were sent on a test drive:

• DAF XF 530 FT (Euro-6, MX-13 engine, 530 hp, ZF Intarder retarder, Super Space Cab)
• DAF XF 480 FT (Euro-5, MX-13 engine, 480 hp, MX Engine Brake, Super Space Cab,)
• DAF XF 480 FT (Euro-5, MX-13 engine, 480 hp, MX Engine Brake, Space Cab Cab,)
• DAF XF 450 FT (Euro-5, MX-11 engine, 450 hp, MX Engine Brake, Space Cab,).

Each of the trucks was equipped with an automatic 12-speed ZF TraXon gearbox. The trucks moved one after another with a distance of about one kilometer between them. The cruise control system maintained the average speed of the flow for trucks on Russian roads: 72-78 km / h on straight sections of the highway and 89 km / h on descents. To improve driving efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, drivers actively used a number of smart systems during the test.

Firstly, adaptive cruise control was used, which allows you to adjust the distance to the vehicle in front. The truck can independently accelerate, brake and maintain the required speed without the driver’s participation. Secondly, drivers used the MX Engine Brake with three-position force adjustment. This technology helps to extend the service life of the truck’s brake pads, and also helps to achieve braking force of up to 360 kW at 2100 rpm without pressing the brake pedal. Thirdly, the EcoRoll system was activated to save fuel.

When driving downhill, the system switches the gearbox to neutral. In this case, the engine idles, which also helps achieve fuel economy. Fourthly, the new DAF XF trucks are equipped with the Driver Performance Assistent system. The electronic assistant helps the driver evaluate fuel consumption and braking efficiency in real time.

After a road test using these systems, the results were amazing. Thus, depending on the engine, the fuel consumption of DAF XF trucks ranged from 20.6 to 21.1 liters per 100 kilometers. Compared to the previous generation models, the savings were 9 liters per 100 kilometers. Taking into account the cost of a liter of diesel fuel of 48.5 rubles, it was possible to save almost 450 rubles per hundred kilometers.

With an average annual truck mileage of 150,000 kilometers, DAF XF models will reduce costs by an impressive 650,000 rubles. If the company’s fleet includes at least 15 trucks, the annual savings will amount to about 10 million rubles. Significant savings can be made not only on fuel efficiency, but also on the maintenance of DAF XF trucks. The service interval has been increased to 100,000 kilometers. Thus, DAF XF trucks allow companies to save significantly on the operation of their fleet.