Start-up electric commercial vehicle manufacturer Volta Trucks has revealed the first running prototype chassis of the all-electric Volta Zero. The demonstrator vehicle is being presented to customers at the ITT Hub 2021, the Innovation & Technology in Transport conference in Farnborough, UK.
The major milestone has been achieved at an “industry-leading pace” for “the world’s first purpose-built full-electric 16-t (17.6-ton) commercial vehicle designed specifically for inner-city logistics.” The Zero prototype was launched in September 2020 with safety-focused design and sustainability objectives, to reduce the environmental impact of freight deliveries in city centers. The first vehicles expected to be operating with customers in late 2021.
With a pure-electric operating range of 150-200 km (95-125 mi), the Zero if produced in expected numbers will eliminate an estimated 1.2 million t (1.3 million ton) of CO2 by 2025. Thanks to the removal of the internal combustion engine, the Zero operator sits in a central driving position, with a much lower seat height than on a conventional truck. This combination, plus a glass house-style cab design, gives the driver a wide 220 degrees of visibility to minimize blind spots.
The prototype chassis was engineered and built using the proposed production specification frame and drivetrain components of the finished vehicle. It features the Proterra high-voltage battery and Meritor compact eAxle. The Zero will be Europe’s first commercial vehicle to use an eAxle, which integrates the rear axle, electric motor, and transmission unit for increased efficiency and vehicle range.
The new prototype is able to drive at normal road speeds and is due to start a comprehensive testing program on proving grounds soon, with learnings taken into the production of a Pilot Fleet of vehicles expected to be delivered in late 2021. These vehicles will be tested by Volta Trucks engineers and evaluated by key customers that have signed up for both testing and the series production option.
“In six months, we have designed and developed a running prototype chassis and 18 months from now, we will be building series production vehicles for our customers,” said Essa Al-Saleh, Chief Executive Officer, Volta Trucks. “The prototype will provide our designers and engineers with feedback and real-world data on the vehicle performance.”
Full-scale production of customer-specification vehicles will follow at the end of 2022.
More on the Volta Zero:
