Volta Trucks has revealed the first running prototype chassis of its Zero – the world’s first purpose-built full-electric 16-tonne commercial vehicle designed specifically for inner city logistics.
The chassis has been designed and built using the proposed production specification frame and drivetrain components of the finished vehicle and will be able to drive at normal road speeds.
This includes the high-voltage battery supplied by Proterra, and the compact eAxle – the integrated rear axle, electric motor and transmission unit, from Meritor.
It is designed from the ground up with an operating pure-electric range of 95 to 125 miles.
Due to the removal of the internal combustion engine, the operator of a Volta Zero sits in a central driving position, with a much lower seat height than a conventional truck.
It is due to start a comprehensive testing programme 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 as well as being evaluated by key customers who have signed up for both testing and the option on the series production.
Full-scale production of customer-specification vehicles will then follow at the end of 2022.
Chief executive officer of Volta Trucks, Essa Al-Saleh, said, “The reveal of our first running prototype Volta Zero chassis is a major milestone on our journey to producing the first customer-specification vehicles in around 18 months’ time.
“The prototype will provide our designers and engineers with feedback and real-world data on the vehicle performance.
“The learning from the prototype will also feed into the pilot fleet vehicles that will support our customer’s understanding of the electrification of their fleets.”
