Real-world trials have begun on the first prototype of the Volta Zero, the world’s first fully electric 16-tonne (17.6-U.S.-ton) truck from Volta Trucks. Dubbed the “Volta Minus One” by development engineers, the prototype will undergo evaluation of all its electro-mechanical and thermal properties at HORIBA MIRA, an engineering and testing consultancy facility in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Tests will evaluate the Volta Zero’s proposed production frame and drivetrain, which are complete just eight months after Volta completed its initial designs.
“We work at high pace to ensure that we can bring zero-emission, full-electric commercial vehicles to market quickly because our customers require vehicles as soon as possible,” says Volta Trucks Chief Product Officer Ian Collins. “We need to go through a comprehensive and thorough development programme, but the start of prototype testing is evidence that we are on track to deliver production vehicles, on time, by the end of next year.”
Hot & Cold
HORIBA MIRA will test the truck’s high-voltage Proterra battery, its rear axle, and its Meritor electric motor and transmission eAxle unit. The prototype has a flatbed design for testing purposes, but the production Volta Zero will feature a cargo box. The initial prototype and subsequent ones will also undergo cold and hot weather testing above the Arctic Circle and in southern Europe, respectively.
The results of these evaluations will factor into production of Pilot Fleet vehicles, which key customers will evaluate for fitness as part of their real-world operations. Full-scale production of customer-specification trucks is to begin by 2022’s end, and customers participating in the trial will have an option to purchase series production trucks.
A Friend To The Environment
Volta Trucks launched the Volta Zero prototype in September 2020. The company’s stated goal is to reduce the environmental impact that freight deliveries have in city centres. By 2025, Volta estimates its vehicles will remove about 1.2 million t (1.32 U.S. t) of carbon dioxide from the equation. Volta Trucks also seeks to enhance driver and pedestrian safety, giving drivers an optimal view of their surroundings through the Volta Zero’s central driving position, lower seat height, and glass house-style cab design.
Source: Volta Trucks