Volta Zero electric truck starts testing in UK

The Volta Zero prototype features a flatbed to allow for load testing

Volta Trucks has started real-world testing of the first Volta Zero prototypes fitted with production specification components. The company claims that the Zero is the first purpose-built, full-electric 16-tonne commercial vehicle specifically designed for inner-city logistics.

Initial testing for the Volta Zero will be carried out at the Horiba Mira facility in the UK. Development engineers will review the electro-mechanical and thermal performance of the truck, plus the chassis frame and drivetrain.

This includes the battery pack, supplied by Proterra, and the compact rear axle, electric motor and eAxle transmission unit from Meritor.

While the production version of the Volta Zero will feature cargo box design, this prototype has a flatbed so as to allow testing of different load weights and loading locations.

The Volta Zero will further undergo cold weather testing in the Arctic Circle and hot weather testing in southern Europe.

The trucks will be produced at the Steyr Automotive plant in Austria

Following customer trials of pilot fleet vehicles, the trucks are now expected to enter series production in late 2022 at the Steyr Automotive plant (formerly MAN Truck and Bus Austria), in Steyr, Austria.

Production will ultimately include four models, ranging from 7.5- to 19-tonnes. Volumes are forecast to reach 27,000 units per annum by 2025. Production is anticipated to create 500 direct jobs, with a further 2000 jobs created across the supply chain.