Volta Trucks has revealed the final production-ready design of the Volta Zero, the purpose-built full-electric 16 tonne commercial vehicle, specifically created for inner-city logistics.
The unveiling of the Volta Zero’s final design, created by partner, Astheimer Design in Warwick, UK, bears a close visual relationship to the original demonstrator vehicle. The final design also confirms that the cab and working environment for drivers, with its low, central seating position to improve visibility and safety, will been maintained through to production. These same design principles will also be maintained into the forthcoming 7.5t, 12t and 18t variants – the latter now being repositioned from its previous 19t gross weight.
Whilst bearing a close relationship to the original demonstrator vehicle, all body panels have been redesigned and updated for the final design. The most notable, but still minor, visual changes include the removal of the horizontal frontal light bar, and the replacement of the diagonal interface between the cab and the cargo box with a vertical line, to improve vehicle construction efficiency. Internally, only the colour and material palette have changed, with the blond leather of the demonstrator being replaced with a more practical charcoal colour, and the teak wooden flooring superseded by a more hard-wearing rubber matting.
Production of the first 25 design verification prototype vehicles is due to start shortly. These prototypes will embark on a comprehensive and rigorous testing regime, starting in early 2022. This will initially be undertaken by Volta Trucks engineers, and followed by customers, to ensure that the first production-specification vehicles, due to start manufacturing by the end of next year, deliver the highest possible quality levels.