Hauliers can now apply to be part of Volta Trucks’ pilot programme of its all-electric Volta Zero 16-tonne delivery vehicle.

Scandinavian start-up commercial vehicle manufacturer Volta Trucks has also launched its new website, ahead of the Zero’s launch this autumn, which gives access to Volta’s Pioneer Programme. Members of the Pioneer Programme will be the first to operate pilot fleet trucks and production vehicles when ready, alongside exclusive communication opportunities and other benefits.

The Volta Zero is the world’s first purpose-built full-electric 16-tonne delivery vehicle, created to reduce the environmental impact of freight deliveries in city centres where existing pollution is at its worst. Built in the UK, the Volta Zero was designed for electric from the outset, which also facilitates a step-change in vehicle and pedestrian safety. Thanks to the removal of the internal combustion engine, the operator of a Volta Zero sits in a central driving position, with a much lower seat height than a conventional truck, thus giving the driver a wide 220-degrees of visibility, and minimising dangerous blind spots.

Rob Fowler, chief executive officer of Volta Trucks, said: “Volta Trucks is building the first purpose-built full electric large commercial vehicle for inner city deliveries. We see the immediate crisis of air pollution, and also the safety concerns with many of today’s large delivery trucks. We will show how we address these vitally important issues when we reveal our new Volta Zero in a few months’ time.”

Fowler added that the new website includes information on the company’s Pioneer Programme, which numerous retail brands and freight delivery companies have already joined and will give them the first opportunity to operate a pilot fleet truck and have access to the first production vehicles when launched. “The reveal of the Volta Zero is on schedule for autumn 2020, and the count-down has started,” he said.