But first to the more down to earth data available so far. Volta envisions their e-truck doing innercity logistics with zero tailpipe emissions. Measuring 9.46 x 2.55 x 3.4 metres and with an 8.6-ton payload, the vehicle features an unspecified electric drivetrain powered by 160-200 KWh battery pack. Volta Power promises a range of 150 to 200 km (93-124 miles) at a maximum speed of up to 90 kph (50-56 mph) – enough for city driving.
Volta claims the motor position, or rather the lack of an internal combustion engine helps position the operator in a central driving position, with a lower seat height than a conventional truck. The cab design with glass all around gives the driver a wide 220-degrees of visibility, while cameras sort out the remaining blind spots.
Talking about the design, the truck’s body is made from natural Flax material and biodegradable resins. Bcomp of Switzerland supplies Volta Trucks with the composite developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency. The high-tech Flax consists of flax fibres mixed with biodegradable resins (made by British Bamp). The result is what Volta describes as a “fully natural, extremely lightweight, high-performance fibre reinforcement that is almost CO2 neutral over its lifecycle”. More so, the panels “can match the stiffness and weight of carbon fibre but use 75% less CO2 to produce,” says the company.
Rob Fowler, Chief Executive Officer of Volta Trucks, believes “that sustainability is more than just tailpipe emissions,” when explaining the company’s “environmental-first approach to all material sourcing”. However, we’ve yet to see the prototypes in action.
