UK, Leyland Trucks expands EV production to deliver DAF electric trucks at greater scale
Additionally, Leyland Trucks has unveiled the successful completion of its £5.1m Zero Emissions Truck Testing Automation (ZETTA) project, a landmark initiative that "will accelerate the UK’s transition to zero-emission road transport and strengthen its position as a leader in clean commercial vehicle manufacturing", as stated by the company.
UK-based DAF subsidiary Leyland Trucks was able to expand EV production in order to deliver DAF electric trucks at greater scale. Such an achievement follows the very recent launch of the brand-new DAF electric truck range. Indeed, the new DAF XB electric trucks will be produced in the UK, namely at the Leyland production site.
Additionally, Leyland Trucks has unveiled the successful completion of its £5.1m Zero Emissions Truck Testing Automation (ZETTA) project, a landmark initiative that “will accelerate the UK’s transition to zero-emission road transport and strengthen its position as a leader in clean commercial vehicle manufacturing”, as stated by the company.
Launched in 2023 in collaboration with the APC, HSSMI and Expert Technologies Group, the two-year ZETTA project was backed by joint government and industry funding, facilitated via the APC to Leyland Trucks. Through ZETTA, Leyland Trucks has expanded its electric vehicle production capabilities, with the capacity to deliver battery electric DAF trucks at greater scale.
Leyland Trucks for electric mobility
Over the course of the project, the company has introduced two new advanced assembly lines for electric drive modules and high-voltage battery systems, while also automating key safety processes such as protective earth and leak testing, and the fitting of Main Service Disconnect (MSD) units. These advancements have improved both efficiency and operator safety. The project also saw the digitisation of the 86-acre Leyland site, enabling new processes and equipment to be tested virtually before physical installation – a major leap forward in reducing downtime and accelerating innovation.
Phil Jones, Managing Director at Leyland Trucks, commented: “ZETTA has been an important step forward for Leyland Trucks. By combining advanced automation with our manufacturing expertise, and working closely with our partners, we’ve strengthened our battery electric vehicle (BEV) production capabilities and created a solid foundation to meet future demand.”
