Volta Trucks, all-electric commercial vehicle manufacturer and services provider, confirmed the US launch and first public display of the all-electric Volta Zero at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo between May 1 and 4, as Volta Trucks further develops its launch plans for the US market.
The ACT Expo takes place in Anaheim, California; it is the world’s largest event dedicated to alternative-fuel commercial vehicles and commercial-transport providers. Volta Trucks will present a Class 7 Volta Zero design-verification prototype at booth #6895. Volta Trucks executives and product experts will be on hand to discuss the all-electric truck, as well as the company’s ‘Truck as a Service’ subscription model and vehicle charging.
Ahead of participation at ACT Expo, Volta Trucks CEO Essa Al-Saleh said, “I’m delighted to be able to show the all-electric Volta Zero in the important US market at ACT Expo in California. We’re building on the key learnings from our European launch where we’ve developed at speed and scale with deep understanding of our customers’ needs to accelerate the transition to electric commercial vehicles and help decarbonize city centers. The US 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 in the US, and we are excited to bring road-certified vehicles for US customers to evaluate later this year.”
VOLTA TRUCKS IN THE US MARKET
The introduction of Volta Trucks into North America will be led in 2023 by the Volta Zero. (This vehicle is equivalent to the existing European 16-ton truck). Additionally, the Class 6 and Class 7 Volta Zero will be available with an ambient or refrigerated cargo box.
In late 2023, Volta Trucks will launch a US-based Driving Experience Program for fleet operators to evaluate Volta Zeros. These pilot vehicles will work in distribution environments to help operators understand how the trucks will integrate into their business. A similar program is currently launching across six European countries. The US-based program will start on the West Coast ahead of a rollout of production vehicles expected in 2024.
PURPOSE BUILT FOR URBAN LOGISTICS
The Volta Zero is the first purpose-built all-electric medium-duty truck specifically designed for urban logistics. The ground-up design of the Volta Zero uses an innovative compact eAxle—composed of the electric motor, transmission, and axle—all in one unit. Michigan-based Accelera by Cummins supplies the eAxle. Further, high-voltage batteries located within the chassis rails—the safest possible location—come from California-based Proterra.
The Class 6 and 7 Volta Zero offers a modular battery configuration for a range of 95 to 125 miles. That’s more than enough for downtown distribution routes.
DESIGNED FOR SAFER ROADS
Commercial vehicles compose a small portion of city traffic; however, they have historically been involved in a disproportionate number of accidents with vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
Volta Zero’s electric powertrain allowed designers to create a new concept from the ground up. This includes a glasshouse-style cab with a 220-degree direct view around the vehicle for blind-spot reduction as well as a lower, center-mounted driving position that enables eye-level connection with all road users.
Volta Zero drivers may enter and exit the vehicle on either side, always onto the sidewalk for their own safety. Operators will also use sliding rather than swinging doors to ensure the safety of passing cyclists. All Volta Zeros benefit from the same world-class safety standards as well as zero-tailpipe emission powertrains. This not only eliminates CO2 emissions but also harmful particulates that diminish local air quality and contribute to health issues.
VOLTA ZERO, BY CLASS
Volta’s Class 5 and 6 vehicles will follow the introduction of the Class 6 and 7 Volta Zero in 2026. The Class 5 (19,500 lbs) and Class 6 (26,000 lb) is equivalent to the European 7.5- and 12-ton vehicles.
Class 5 and 6 Volta Zeros, revealed in April 2022, will appear similarly to the Class 7 vehicle. The Class 5 and 6 trucks will be similar to each other from the front, with the Class 6 having a longer chassis and body and a second set of rear wheels and tires to accommodate the increased vehicle payload.
Find out more, visit www.voltatrucks.com.
