There may soon be more electric trucks transporting cargo around the city. Volta announced that it will be bringing its urban delivery electric trucks to the US. It started with 100 Class 7 (6.5 US tons). Zero trucks are expected to arrive in Los Angeles by mid-2023. American production will begin in 2024 with an experienced manufacturer selected late in the year. The first truck will be followed in 2024 by Class 5 (9.5-ton) or Class 6 (13.5-ton), respectively.
The Class 7 Volta zero’s range is very limited, and modular batteries offer between 95 and 125 miles driving. However, this is more than enough to deliver city goods. Volta also believes that 250kW DC fast charger will alleviate range anxiety. The Zero can be fully charged at the station in just over an hour. The company also took advantage of the switch from diesel motors to increase safety. A lower, centrally mounted driver’s seat should decrease truck blind spots.
Volta must move quickly because of the pressure. Volvo, a Swedish company, has introduced several electric medium-duty trucks. Freightliner in America has the eM2. These are still conventional designs, but they are not from-scratch electrics. Volta may be able to convince customers to ditch diesel- or gas-based fleets.