Volta Trucks debuts Volta Zero as part of US launch plan

Volta Trucks, a leading all-electric commercial vehicle manufacturer and services provider, celebrated the US launch and first public display of its all-electric Class 7 Volta Zero design-verification prototype last week. The unveiling took place at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo which took place 1-4 May near Los Angeles, the world’s largest event dedicated to alternative-fuel commercial vehicles for vehicle manufacturers and commercial transport providers.

The introduction of Volta Trucks’ all-electric commercial vehicles into North America will be led in 2023 by the Class 6 and Class 7 Volta Zero (equivalent to the existing European 16-tonne truck), which will be available with an ambient or refrigerated cargo box; and in late 2023, Volta Trucks will launch a US-based ‘Driving Experience Programme’ for fleet operators to evaluate a pilot fleet of Volta Zeros in real distribution environments, thereby enabling them to understand how the electric delivery trucks will integrate into their operations.

While a similar programme is currently launching across six European countries, the Programme in the US will start on the West Coast, ahead of a roll-out of production vehicles expected in 2024.
Volta Trucks says the Volta Zero is the first purpose-built all-electric medium-duty truck specifically designed for urban logistics. It uses a compact eAxle — comprising the electric motor, transmission, and axle all in one unit and supplied by the Michigan-based company ‘Accelera by Cummins’ — and high-voltage batteries (located within the chassis rails) from California-based Proterra.

Modular battery configuration
As a vehicle specifically designed for urban logistics, the Class 6 and Class 7 Volta Zero will offer a modular battery configuration to deliver a range of 95-125 miles — deemed ample for ‘downtown distribution routes’. The Class 6 and Class 7 Volta Zero introduction is scheduled to be followed in 2026 by a Class 5 truck and a Class 6 truck — equivalent to the European 7.5-tonne and 12-tonne vehicles.

Essa Al-Saleh, Volta Trucks’ CEO, said: “I am delighted to be able to show the all-electric Volta Zero in the important US market. We are building on the key learnings from our European launch, where we have developed at speed and scale, with deep understanding of our customers’ needs to accelerate the transition to electric commercial vehicles and help decarbonise city centres.

“The USA faces the same safety and sustainability issues we are addressing in Europe and is a significant market opportunity for us. This marks the start of our journey here, and we are excited to bring road-certified vehicles for US customers to evaluate later this year.”