Truck of the Year 2026 goes to electric DAFs: does the verdict fit the market?
International Truck of the Year 2026 goes to the DAF XD Electric and XF Electric. An EV wins again, though electric lorries hold a marginal market share.
The International Truck of the Year 2026 title goes to the DAF XD Electric and XF Electric. It is the Dutch brand's third award in five years. A panel of 24 journalists from across Europe praised their energy efficiency and powertrain. But is the jury's verdict detached from the real needs of the market?
Electric as the contest's new normal
An electric winner is no longer a surprise, but rather the new 'norm'. Manufacturers enter electric vehicles in the contests, hoping that a prestigious title will finally help to 'kick-start sales'. It was the same a year ago with the Mercedes eActros 600 and two years ago with the Volvo FH Electric. The technology that wins is one whose market share is still marginal, while proven solutions are pushed into the background.
This year's contenders
The full list of contenders (DAF was not the only one betting on electric):
- DAF XD/XF Electric (winner)
- MAN TGX D30 PowerLion (new diesel)
- MAN eTGS (electric for local routes)
- Sany e435 (Chinese electric chassis)
- Scania Super 11 (10.6 l diesel)
Shouldn't the safety and economy of diesel count for more than promoting an 'electric revolution'? Does this title still carry weight for hauliers, or has it become a marketing tool?