Dutch waste disposal firm ROVA has begun field testing a new Daf CF Electric 6x2 refuse truck.

The vehicle features a zero-emission VDL electric powertrain alongside a fully electric VDL refuse collection superstructure.

Daf has already been testing its 4x2 tractor vehicles since 2018. The new three-axle vehicles provide a higher payload (GVW up to 28-tonnes) and – thanks to a steered trailing axle – improved manoeuvrability; a huge advantage for waste collection vehicles operating in dense urban areas.

The VDL E-power driveline provides 210kW of power and a torque of 2,000Nm. The driveline is powered by a 170kWh battery pack, sufficient for covering regular garbage collection routes. It can recharge up to 80% battery capacity in 30 minutes.

Marco van Lente, general director at ROVA, said: “The Daf CF Electric is just as good and easy to operate as any conventionally powered truck and we truly believe it is important to participate from the start in the energy transition as natural resources are becoming increasingly rare. It is in our DNA to take care of the future of our planet and the use of low emission vehicles is part of our sustainability plan.”