Q1 2021

29 | Q1 2021 Feb20377 Driving Sustainable Change Whilst the automotive industry is amongst the many sectors to have embraced the sustainability movement in its evolution, the commercial vehicle industry has, for many years, remained stuck in the past. Thanks to Volta Trucks, the pioneering team behind Volta Zero, that is all changing. The world’s first fully electric commercial vehicle, Volta Zero is purpose-built for greener and safer city living. We take a closer look at this innovation of engineering as it drives us towards a brighter, more sustainable future. Founded in 2017 by Scandinavian Founder, Carl-Magnus Norden, and co-Founder, Kjell Waloen, Volta Trucks was created as the sustainable solution in last mile logistics to the increasing pressures of climate change and road safety. A fast- moving, inspirational workplace, the Volta Trucks start-up comprises a small team of highly talented experts both within commercial vehicle design and engineering and outside of the field, as consultants who are able to bring fresh perspectives on marketing, presentation and commercialisation of their innovative trucks. Revolutionising the commercial vehicle has meant starting from scratch, and the combination of internal and external insights has been vital to this fresh start. Despite the intensifying focus on the climate crisis, air quality, and road safety of the global population, Volta Trucks realised that there was little action for change coming from the UK transport market or commercial vehicle manufacturers. Having seen minimal development since its first manufacture almost a century ago, commercial vehicles with internal combustion engines remain one of the worst polluters of the environment and a significantly disproportionate contributor to accidents and fatalities of pedestrians and cyclists. Whilst the automotive industry has begun to embrace the sustainability movement through innovation in engineering, the commercial vehicle industry has largely been left behind. For Volta Trucks, it is time to change that fact. Enter Volta Zero: the world’s first, purpose-built, fully electric large commercial vehicle designed for inner city freight and parcel distribution. With a full-electric drivetrain, the Volta Zero has no tailpipe emissions and a silent operation, improving air quality and also reducing inner city noise pollution. Moreover, all the materials that go into the Volta Zero are sourced sustainably, such as the flax fibre and biodegradable resin composites that are the first of their kind to be used on any road-going vehicle. Carbon neutral but with the same stiffness and weight as carbon fibre, these composites are used in the construction of the exterior body panels and minimise the CO2 footprint of the trucks, in addition to futureproofing against end-of-life recycling legislation. Moreover, as the design of Volta Zero reduces noise pollution, it also allows the trucks to operate at all hours of the day and night without infringing on any noise restriction protocols or causing concern for excessive energy usage. In fact, the 24/7 capabilities of Volta Zero streamline work processes, equalling out the commercial benefits of a Volta Zero fleet to the environmental. Additionally, removing the usual internal combustion engine allows for a revolutionary new cab design, which places the driver centrally in the cab and at a similar eyeline to other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, giving a broad 220-degree field of vision. Enhanced by Advanced Driver Assistance systems and additional rear- view cameras and blind spot warning systems, commercial vehicles need no longer be a major instigator of road accidents and fatalities. The updated cab design of Volta Zero has also made the driving environment much more appealing to a wider audience of truck drivers. With truck driving largely perceived as an older, more male occupation, Volta Zero seeks to promote the role to a wider demographic, boosting employment through its trailblazing technology. Volta Zero therefore shares the socially and environmentally responsible ethos of many B2B and B2C distribution operators in the UK, making it a premier choice across a wide market. Moreover, Volta Zero is the only commercial vehicle fleet available that is fully electric, silent, and aligns with the standards of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone. With more capital cities and major conurbations around the world engaging with the trend for Low Emission Environments, Volta Trucks is already on hand with its efficient fleet system built for all future urban transport regulations. Having successfully launched its first fleets in the Pioneer Programme of 2019 to 2020, Volta Trucks continues to learn from the feedback of its clients on how to integrate its innovative technology into their fleets. With the recent launch of its customer and media website in March 2021, Volta Trucks underlines its people-centric mission: decarbonising urban logistics through innovation of commercial vehicles, in order to create safer, healthier and better environments that last for the populations of city centres and beyond. Company: Volta Trucks Contact: Duncan Forrester Website: www.voltatrucks.com