In mid-2021, the Dutch company DAF upgraded its trucks. In addition to the update of the DUF XF model that has been passed down, DUF has also launched two flagship trucks, XG and XG+. In addition to these, DUF also announced that it will develop electric trucks and hydrogen fuel trucks based on a new generation of models.
An electric tractor based on the development of DUF CF
In THE BUSINESS MAP OF DUF, electric tractors are mainly used to meet the current needs of energy conservation and emission reduction, and are a kind of transitional driving energy. Hydrogen fuel will be the general direction of the group's future development and will play a pivotal and important role in DUF's product lineup. Of course, hydrogen is also used in many ways. In addition to hydrogen fuel cells, there are hydrogen internal combustion engines (abbreviated as H2-ICEs): a special kind of gas engine that is very similar to the natural gas engine we are familiar with. Many commercial vehicle manufacturers in Europe are developing hydrogen internal combustion engines, MAN's first hydrogen internal combustion engine prototype has been tested on a laboratory bench, and Deutz's hydrogen internal combustion engine products are already available for pre-order.
The protagonist of our article today is a new generation of DUF XF tractors with hydrogen internal combustion engines. The DUF Group believes that fossil fuels and internal combustion engines are not bundled, and the decommissioning of fossil fuels does not mean the discontinuation of internal combustion engines. How to make the huge internal combustion engine more environmentally friendly is also a matter of great importance. The DUF XF hydrogen internal combustion engine truck features a modified PACKA MX-13 engine, and the axle and gearbox are standard with the new generation of DUF XF trucks. This means that diesel engines also have the potential to be converted to hydrogen internal combustion engines.
From the outside, the vehicle generally continues the shape of the new generation of DUF XF. The front face of the vehicle is designed with DUF's new generation design language, and the silver multi-stage chrome grille provides a very good visual effect. Inside the grille, Duff is decorated with light blue patches of color. Not only does it highlight the environmental friendliness of the vehicle, but it also corresponds to the color of liquid hydrogen: the attractive light blue. The new LED headlights have excellent illumination effects, and there are two additional searchlights on the roof to further enhance the vehicle's lighting vision.
Pictured above is the cab of a new generation of Duff trucks inside the plant. The protagonist of this article uses the oversized cab of a new generation of DUF XF trucks. The european union's new truck cab regulations allow manufacturers to lengthen the vehicle's cab based on improved vehicle aerodynamics, creating an excellent interior space for the new generation of DUF XF cabs, continuing the super space cab legend.
The front of the car is slightly raised forward, supplemented by a smooth roof curve to further enhance the vehicle's aerodynamic effect. The vehicle is also equipped with an optional electronic rearview mirror system, which brings a larger viewing angle while pushing the aerodynamic effect to new heights. The blue-and-white livery embellishes the sides of the vehicle, while the fully enclosed side skirts add to the visuals.
The rear of the cab is very flat and has an adjustable fairing that allows for a smooth transition to the trailer. The saddle has been worn a lot, and it can be seen from the side that Duff has been testing the truck for a long time.
Lift the cab and you'll see the heart of the car: a modified MX-13 engine. Based on the diesel version of the MX-13, the engine was replaced with a fuel injection system, fuel supply system, and thermal management system, and the piston, crankshaft, and cylinder block were adapted. This approach is less costly than redeveloping a hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine, and it could also allow a huge number of diesel engines to see the future.
According to Duff's description, the hydrogen internal combustion version of the MX-13 still performs well. The author referred to the TTM magazine review video: except that the sound of the engine is smaller than that of the diesel engine, the difference is basically not much. At the same time, thanks to the vehicle's ZF TraXon gearbox, the ride is very good.
On the left side of the chassis, the position originally used to install the diesel fuel tank was ceded with the disappearance of the diesel tank, and was replaced by several huge liquid hydrogen tanks. The vehicle uses a composite carbon fiber hydrogen storage tank. At present, there are not many manufacturers in the world that can produce such tanks, and the manufacturing price is very high, which is also a problem that needs to be faced. However, Duff expects that as more and more manufacturers focus on related areas, the cost problem will soon be solved.
The hydrogen storage tank is connected to the liquid hydrogen supply system, and after treatment, it is fed into the engine for combustion.
On the other side of the chassis, the vehicle is empty without a hydrogen storage tank. In the future, users with higher requirements for endurance performance can choose larger size hydrogen storage tanks to improve vehicle endurance performance.
In terms of interior, according to the test driving video, there is no difference from the ordinary new generation of Duff XF trucks. The combination of digital dashboard + sub-screen, the integral dashboard is shaped like a passenger car. The multi-function steering wheel, touch screen, etc. provide excellent ergonomics, while the cab itself is also remarkable.
The vehicle also added a 12V cigarette lighter plug to the front of the instrument panel to facilitate the driver to install additional equipment such as a dashcam.
Economically, the DUF XF hydrogen internal combustion engine truck was a success. Compared to the large investment of other friends, Duff completed the approximate task in a clever way. The concept it conveys is quite advanced, even if you look at all of Europe. As a result, the car was named The Innovative Truck of the Year for 2022. DUFF is also working intensively to develop, test and improve the vehicle in an effort to bring it to market as soon as possible.
There are other special trucks on display along with this car. Examples include early prototypes developed by the new generation of DUF Trucks, as well as prototypes of low-wind resistance trucks with airflow logos. There is no doubt that Duff has ushered in a new era. How will DUF develop in the future? Let's wait and see! Thank you for reading this article! I also want to see more interesting and informative commercial vehicle content, don't forget to pay attention to the Tigot Commercial Vehicle Network!
Text: Heseaotter