Startup Volta Trucks says its pioneering Zero truck will make its French debut at a series of high-profile customer and supplier events starting in Paris on February 15th. The Zero is said to be the world’s first purpose-built full-electric 16-t vehicle designed for inner-city freight deliveries, reducing the environmental impact of freight deliveries in city centers. Designed from the ground up with a pure-electric range of 150-200 km (95-125 mi), it is projected to eliminate an estimated 180,000 t of CO2 by 2025. (See our earlier in-depth coverage of the Zero here.)
The significance of the four-week roadshow is that, under current legislation, internal combustion engine commercial vehicles will be banned from operating in Paris from 2024, as all French cities of more than 150,000 residents will adopt new Low Emissions Zones. As part of this legislation, the French government is offering incentives of up to €50,000 for the transition to zero-emissions commercial vehicles, making the acceleration of fleet electrification of paramount importance to French fleet operators—and their eager suppliers.
“With the imminent changes in legislation in French cities, it’s clear that the adoption of electric commercial vehicles needs to accelerate very quickly,” said Chief Executive Officer of Volta Trucks, Rob Fowler. “Currently there is a real shortage of electrified products on offer to fleet operators but, with the Volta Zero, we can show our important French customers that we have a compelling solution that meets their needs.”
During the roadshow, the Zero will be displayed with Swoopin, the global provider of sustainable transportation and urban logistics services, in southeast Paris. In early January, Swoopin confirmed the use of the truck as part of its existing zero-emission fleet of electric vans, cars, and e-bikes—supporting the company’s last-mile distribution hubs and helping cities meet ambitious CO2 emissions targets. Over the four-week event, many potential and existing customers, fleet operators, and suppliers will experience the Volta Zero, as well as introductions to local legislators and policymakers.
“When our founders created Volta Trucks, they didn’t want to just offer a zero-emission vehicle, but to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles as a whole, especially in city centers where air quality is at its worst,” added Fowler. “In bringing the Volta Zero to France, we also hope to stimulate a wider awareness of full-electric vehicles in the commercial sector and thus, help improve the air quality and environment for all French city inhabitants.”
Since our initial coverage of the Zero, Volta Trucks announced a successful funding round, bringing new investment, shareholders, and a new board member Sharp McGivaren to the company—adding to existing investors who increased their funding. Leading the new $20 million funding raise was New York-based investor Luxor Capital, led by Founder Christian Leone and Partner Jonathan Green, which has made investments in many automotive and alternative energy companies including Hyliion, Nikola, Lordstown Motors, QuantumScape, and EverFuel. Luxor Capital joins previous lead investor, Byggmästare Anders J Ahlström of Stockholm, and a number of supporting shareholders.
“His mix of electric vehicle industry knowledge and public markets insights will serve the company well as we look toward the next stages of our journey,” said Essa Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Volta Trucks, in welcoming McGivaren. “Luxor Capital’s investment serves as a confirmation of Volta Trucks’ value proposition for its customers as we transition toward a zero-emission future.”
The new funding will enable the company to expand its team of engineers and commercial experts as the company moves forward with its vehicle development, industrialization plans, and commercial operation expansion. Some of those experts helping Fowler lead Volta Trucks include Kjell Walöen, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer; Mornie Robertson, Human Resources Director; Carla Detrieux, Business Development Manager, UK & FR; Oliver Needham, Finance Director; Ian Collins, Engineering Director; and latest addition Duncan Forrester, Chief Communications Officer. Prior to running his own consultancy, Forrester served as Vice President and Global Head of PR and Communications for the start-up electric Polestar brand, having previously worked for BMW Group, Volvo Cars in Gothenburg, and McLaren Automotive.
In early February Volta Trucks provided a bit more detail on the Zero’s technology, confirming Meritor as the strategic drivetrain component supplier. This major purchasing milestone will support the delivery of vehicles for customer trials during 2021, and the start of series production around 12 months afterward.
The Zero will be the first full-electric large commercial vehicle in Europe to use the supplier’s innovative eAxle to drive the rear wheels. The Blue Horizon 14Xe integrated e-powertrain contains the electric motor, transmission, and rear axle. Intended for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, the unit is said to be lighter and more efficient than a conventional electric motor and axle setup, delivering an increased range as a result. It also provides packaging benefits by freeing up space between the chassis rails to provide greater safety.
“Meritor is excited to work with Volta Trucks on bringing electric commercial vehicles to the European market,” said Ken Hogan, Meritor’s Senior Vice President and President, Truck, Europe and Asia Pacific. “Our expertise and investment in advanced technologies have made it possible to offer customers like Volta Trucks, solutions to meet their electrification needs.”
“Meritor and Volta Trucks share a common vision for the future of commercial vehicle mobility – one that is safe and sustainable,” said Fowler. “As Volta Trucks seeks to strengthen its position as a leading manufacturer of electric commercial vehicles, we look to partners like Meritor to bring us technologies to achieve our goals.”
The commercial momentum for Volta Trucks is building as it approaches launch. The company recently confirmed the sale of 1000 Zeros to Petit Forestier—believed to be Europe’s largest single purchase of large electric commercial vehicles. The order books for the Zero at the end of January stood at over $260 million following successful customer acquisitions, with a significant number of additional vehicle orders expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The first Zero vehicles are expected to be operating with customers in late 2021.
In conjunction with the French roadshow, Volta said that any potential customers wishing to arrange a private viewing of the Zero should contact Detrieux.
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