Volta Trucks and DPD are entering into pilot tests of its forthcoming Volta Zero electric large commercial vehicle in London.
The 16 tonne electric commercial vehicle, made by Scandinavian start-up Volta, will be tested by DPD within London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone in early 2021, to support the company’s micro-depot strategy. The strategy sees a larger vehicle used as a mobile depot to improve delivery efficiency as well as reduce emissions. Cargo bikes and other smaller means of parcel distribution can operate from the mobile micro-depot for last-mile delivery. The hubs can also return to base to collect more parcels, or move to a more strategic position in another area when desirable, further improving delivery efficiency.
The Volta Zero is a purpose-designed electric commercial vehicle with a range of between 95 to 125 miles. It has been designed to operate within urban environments specifically and features a central driving position and a lower seat height than a conventional truck. This combination, plus a glass house-style cab design, gives the driver a wide 220-degrees of visibility, to help minimise potentially dangerous blind spots.
Olly Craughan, CSR general manager of DPD Group UK Ltd, commented: “DPD Group UK Ltd are happy to announce a trial of the Volta Zero 16 tonne purpose built fully electric vehicle planned for 2021. The vehicle is an ideal fit for our Urban Logistics strategy; and the fact that it will be the most sustainable commercial vehicle is a fantastic achievement too, and mirrors our own strategy to be the UK’s leader in sustainable delivery.”
Rob Fowler, chief executive officer of Volta Trucks, added; “As the world’s first purpose-built full-electric large commercial vehicle, the Volta Zero was specifically designed to deliver parcels and freight in inner city locations where today’s air quality and noise pollution challenges are at their worst. The Volta Zero’s full-electric, zero-emission operation is perfectly suited to DPD’s distribution requirements within London’s strict Ultra Low Emission Zone, delivering parcels to Central London’s customers in a clean and efficient way.
“The Volta Zero is also much safer for the city’s pedestrians and other road users than other large goods vehicles, thanks to the unique design of the cab that offers the driver significantly enhanced visibility. Its full-electric drivetrain also offers near-silent operation, meaning DPD will be able to utilise the Volta Zero in the centre of London in an efficient 24-hour operation.”
