DAF hands over 33 XD Electric trucks to Contargo

As early as 2019, Contargo integrated two electric trucks from the DAF CF series into its fleet during an initial electrification phase. Building on this positive experience, Contargo has now entered the second phase of its collaboration with DAF, as the Dutch manufacturer announced. The vehicles will be gradually integrated into the logistics provider’s operations over the coming weeks. DAF describes this delivery as ‘one of the largest simultaneous handovers of battery-electric trucks in Germany.’

The 33 electric trucks are models of the XD Electric, which DAF has positioned as a truck for urban, regional, and long-distance distribution transport. The XD Electric is part of DAF’s new battery-electric truck generation, alongside the XF Electric, the recently announced XG and XG+ Electric, and the smaller XB Electric (available as 12-, 16-, and 19-tonne models). The company’s first electric models—the three-axle CF Electric, built from 2018 with a gross vehicle weight of up to 28 tonnes, and the two-axle LF Electric, with up to 19 tonnes—are no longer in production.

The transition from the old to the current generation of battery-electric trucks was not straightforward for DAF. While the XD and XF Electric were unveiled at the IAA Transportation in Hanover in 2022, series production in Eindhoven faced repeated delays. It was not until the final quarter of 2025 that the company announced the start of production—after around two and a half years of setbacks. The guiding principle was thoroughness over haste. The recent ‘Truck of the Year 2026’ award for the XD Electric and XF Electric underscores the maturity of the new battery-electric truck generation.

The XD Electric trucks for Contargo are equipped with a Sleeper High Cab, offering a volume of 9.53 cubic metres. Additionally, the electric trucks feature a 4×2 axle configuration, a 350 kW powertrain, and five LFP battery packs with a total capacity of 525 kWh. These specifications, selected by Contargo, represent the maximum available in terms of motorisation and battery energy content. The XD Electric is generally available with a power range of 170 to 350 kW and battery options ranging from 210 to 525 kWh (two to five packs). The five packs, totalling 525 kWh, are expected to provide a range of over 500 kilometres. DAF specifies a DC fast-charging capacity of 325 kW.

Contargo has announced that it will station the DAF electric vehicles at 15 locations across Germany, primarily deploying them in short-haul operations for container transport in combined transport. The company stated: “With the present count of 90 e-trucks in operation, the enterprise has now successfully realised all the e-truck projects approved under the KsNI funding guideline, while expansion of the charging infrastructure at individual locations continues.”

Contargo was founded in 2004 by the Rhenus Group and has since consolidated the activities of several companies specialising in container hinterland logistics, some of which have been active in combined transport and terminal operations since 1976. Today, the company’s model, which employs 1,280 staff, is built on three pillars: its own terminals as hubs, its own transport lines, and the associated customer service for order processing. Its primary clients include shipping companies, freight forwarders, and logistics providers.

Contargo’s transport network spans primarily across Germany but also extends into the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Poland, and Switzerland. For several years, the company has been preparing for the gradual electrification of its transport fleet. In procuring battery-electric trucks, Contargo had early on applied for funding under the German KsNI scheme, which was abruptly cancelled in early 2024 due to the budget crisis. In total, the federal government approved subsidies for 86 battery-electric trucks and the associated charging infrastructure.

As reported, Contargo is simultaneously building one of Germany’s largest private fast-charging networks—with a total of 90 charging points across 15 locations. Kristin Kahl, Managing Director of Contargo Truck Fleet, emphasises: “90 battery-electric trucks in operation are no coincidence but the result of a clear decision for a reliable electrification pathway. Our transformation shows that available technologies can be consistently utilised and successfully scaled under real-world conditions.”

Christoph Fitz, Managing Director of DAF Trucks Deutschland GmbH, adds: “We are delighted that Contargo is continuing the journey we began seven years ago and is now integrating the new series of our electric trucks into its fleet in this second phase of collaboration. The partnership with Contargo demonstrates how important long-term relationships are for the successful ramp-up of electric trucks. Together, we are consistently pursuing the path we have taken.”

daftrucks.de (in German), contargo.net