Volta Trucks has confirmed engineering work has begun on smaller Zero models
The two new variants – 7.5-tonnes and 12-tonnes – will be joining the original 16-tonner, with production to begin in 2024.
Furthermore, the design of the vehicle has been completed by Warwick-based Astheimer Design.
The two smaller Zero trucks will feature a number of attributes seen on the larger model.
For example, the three versions share the same cab and working environment.
In addition, the low central seating position and optimised visibility has been retained.
However, the two new trucks will be able to operate differently to the original.
The 7.5-tonne Zero, for example, can operate on Sundays in some areas where larger vehicles are currently banned.
A pilot fleet of 7.5- and 12-tonne trucks is set to enter customer trials in 2023.
Therefore, there will be plenty of opportunities for operators to sample the smaller Zero models before production.
The Volta Trucks model will see vehicles launched into Paris and London initially.
Then, other cities will follow such as Milan, Madrid and Randstad, in the Netherlands.
In total, the company expects production to move from 14,000 units in 2024 to more than 27,000 in 2025.
Thereafter, Volta expects numbers to increase further, with future production sites to be considered.
Ian Collins, chief product officer of Volta Trucks, explained the need for smaller Zero trucks.
“We knew that we’d need to scale the innovative packaging and cab concept to accommodate different size vehicles.
“Our customers need 7.5- and 12-tonne vehicles – and they need them quickly!
“Our partners at Astheimer have created an inspiring vehicle design that we’ve now started to engineer and bring to life.”
Concluding, Collins said R&D operations have been scaled up so the company can deliver on its promises.
