Starting from a blank sheet in 2019, the Volta Zero made its existence a reality by going into pre-production. Production of this urban distribution vehicle is scheduled for 2023 with 6,000 orders.
Three Volta Zero in production in 2024
Designed by Astheimer Design on the basis of a MAN TGL chassis, the Volta Zero will be built on the assembly line of these chassis in the Austrian factory in Steyr. In 2024, the plant will also take over the production of the two new 7.5 t and 12 t models. In the 16 t version, this Volta Zero weighs 8,200 kg with its Proterra batteries. It has an electric range of 150 to 200 km at 80 km/h, depending on the kinetic energy recovered. Its cabin and bodywork are made of recycled plastic materials.
A truck for everyone
According to the manufacturer, the Volta Zero 16 t passed its cold and heat tests, both in terms of the batteries and the cabin as well as the plastic materials. For cargo handling, this truck should be equipped with a Dhollandia tail lift. But also a Carrier refrigeration unit for the refrigerated version produced by Le Capitaine, a subsidiary of Petit Forestier. And the bodybuilder is studying the addition of a side door to multi-temperature models. With its low cabin, its original design, its central driving and its video surveillance cameras, the Volta Zero wants to attract young urban drivers, and more particularly female drivers. Objective: to help carriers solve the shortage of drivers.
First operational tests in Paris
Volta Trucks raised 230 million euros in February from its investors. It has thus produced 25 vehicles which it will deliver in June to Clipper Logistics for the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London. But especially to its big Parisian customers DB Schenker and Urby (subsidiary of La Poste) for the first tests in real conditions. “Paris and France are our most important market,” assures Carl-Magnus Norden, founder and director of Volta Trucks. This is why Volta Trucks opened its first “Truck as a Service” customer operations center in Bonneuil-sur-Marne (94) on April 4.
The manufacturer has also hired Helder Ribeiro as Vice President Europe Customer Success & TaaS Operations. “I am in charge of marketing the Volta Zero. The turnkey offer includes ordering, delivery, maintenance, the electric charging system, in collaboration with Enedis and Siemens, and the use of vehicles per kilometer travelled,” he said. Volta Trucks wants to sell 14,000 Volta Zero in 2024 and 27,000 in 2025.
