After demonstrating the Volta Zero in many European cities, leading start-up electric commercial vehicle manufacturer, Volta Trucks has now revealed the first running prototype chassis of the product.
The prototype chassis has been designed and built using the proposed production specification frame and drivetrain components of the finished vehicle. This includes the high-voltage battery supplied by Proterra, and the compact eAxle – the integrated rear axle, electric motor and transmission unit, from Meritor.
This, in fact, will be the first time that an European commercial vehicle will use the innovative eAxle for increased efficiency and vehicle range, said the company.
Initially showcased in September 2020, the Volta Zero is the world’s first purpose-built full-electric 16-tonne commercial vehicle designed specifically for inner city logistics.
The new prototype chassis is due to start a comprehensive testing programme soon, the company has informed, adding that testing will be done by Volta Trucks engineers and key customers, who have signed up for both testing and the option on the series production, to develop their understanding of how the Volta Zero will integrate into their operations.
Full-scale production of customer-specification vehicles will then follow at the end of 2022. The Volta Zero is designed from the ground up with an operating pure-electric range of 150-200 km, and it is estimated to eliminate 1.2 million tonne of CO2 by 2025.
Essa Al-Saleh, Chief Executive Officer, Volta Trucks said the prototype will provide Volta’s 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 its customer’s understanding of the electrification of their fleets.
“This is also a great example of the nimble and agile culture and approach we have at Volta Trucks. While traditional vehicle manufacturers take years to undertake market assessments, design processes and vehicle development, at Volta Trucks, we work at speed because we know that the world’s climate emergency cannot wait, and our customers need vehicles now,” Saleh said.
In six months, the company has designed and developed a running prototype chassis and 18 months from now, it will be building series production vehicles for its customers.