Leyland Trucks said it had strengthened battery electric vehicle (BEV) production capabilities and was on the road to delivering electric DAF trucks at scale after funding from a government-backed initiative.
The £5.1m zero emissions truck testing automation (ZETTA) project was set up in 2023 to accelerate the UK’s transition to zero-emission road transport and strengthen the country’s position as a leader in clean commercial vehicle manufacturing.
Leyland said that over the course of the project, it had introduced two new advanced assembly lines for electric drive modules and high-voltage battery systems, while also automating safety processes such as protective earth and leak testing and the fitting of main service disconnect units.
The project also saw the digitisation of the 86-acre Leyland site, enabling new processes and equipment to be tested virtually before physical installation.
The company added that a detailed feasibility study into high-voltage battery pack assembly had also created a clear roadmap for the next phase of development.
Phil Jones, MD at Leyland Trucks, said: “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 BEV production capabilities and created a solid foundation to meet future demand.”
