DAF XD and XF Electric named ‘International Truck of the Year 2026’
Dutch manufacturer DAF is continuing its success story: after winning the titles in 2022 (XF, XG, XG+) and 2023 (XD), the all-electric XD and XF Electric models have now secured the coveted award for 2026.
The 24-member jury particularly praised:
- the energy efficiency despite the use of a conventional rear axle,
- the excellent aerodynamics (+9% compared to the previous generation),
- the modular vehicle concept offering high flexibility.
Jury Chairman Florian Engel commented:
“With the new XD and XF Electric, DAF Trucks proves that the combination of a central electric motor and a conventional rear axle can be just as energy-efficient as a powertrain with an e-axle.”
‘Truck Innovation Award 2026’ goes to Bosch for Road Hazard Service
Bosch received the Truck Innovation Award for its ‘Road Hazard Service’, a system that uses swarm data and sensor information to detect potential hazards such as aquaplaning, fog or accidents at an early stage. The service has also been available in Mercedes-Benz Trucks since the end of 2024.
Photo credits @ International Truck of the Year
Florian Engel said at the awards ceremony:
“The Road Hazard Service by Bosch demonstrates the significant impact Big Data already has on road safety today.”
But that was not all for Bosch…
Federal President’s Future Prize: Bosch also honoured in Berlin
In addition, on 19 November in Berlin, Bosch won the prestigious German Future Prize for another project: a fuel-cell drive system for long-distance transport. Developers Christoffer Uhr, Kai Weeber and Pierre Andrieu received the award for the project ‘Powerhouse for the Climate’.
The system:
- generates electricity from hydrogen,
- enables emission-free driving at full payload,
- is around four tonnes lighter than comparable battery-electric trucks,
- requires only a few minutes to refuel.
The result is a quiet, emission-free drive suitable for any long-distance route, including climatically extreme regions. The prize was awarded for the 29th time and carries €250,000 in prize money.
The winners from left to right: Christopher Uhr, Pierre Andrieu and Kai Weeber. (Photo: German Future Prize)
International Van of the Year 2026: Kia PV5 surprises as a newcomer
There was also a sensation in the light commercial vehicle category: Kia secured the title ‘International Van of the Year 2026’ with the new all-electric PV5. The model is based on the modular skateboard platform E-GMP.S and impressed the 26-member IVOTY jury with:
- high energy and space efficiency,
- easy handling,
- modern assistance systems and connectivity.
Kia Europe President Marc Hedrich said:
“This award is a great honour and confirmation that we can deliver technology, design and practicality in the LCV sector.”
Second place went to the Chinese Farizon SV, followed by the Ford E-Transit Courier. For the first time in the history of the award, three all-electric vehicles stood on the podium in 2026 – a strong signal for the decarbonisation of urban delivery traffic.
