Volta Trucks has selected Proterra as the battery supplier for the Volta Zero, a full-electric 16-tonne commercial vehicle designed specifically for inner-city freight distribution. Volta Zero vehicles are scheduled to start customer trials later in 2021, with tens of thousands of trucks expected on the roads soon after series production starts around 12 months later.

The Proterra-supplied battery will aim to give the Volta Zero a real-world range of 200kms on a single charge, which Volta believes is more than enough for most inner-city logistics and distribution vehicles that spend most of their operating time in slow-moving start and stop traffic.

“Proterra and Volta Trucks share a common vision of clean, healthy communities served by zero-emission, electric vehicles,” said Gareth Joyce, president of Proterra Powered and Energy. “We look forward to building our relationship together as we support Volta Trucks in the development of the revolutionary Volta Zero commercial vehicle.”

The Proterra battery pack design allows the Volta Zero to be located between the chassis rails — its safest possible location for the design. Proterra’s battery technology has been proven over 17 million miles driven by its own transit vehicles and has also been chosen by other commercial vehicle manufacturers to electrify delivery vans, school buses, coaches, low-floor shuttles, and construction equipment.

“I’m delighted to welcome Proterra to the supply chain for the Volta Zero,” said Rob Fowler, CEO of Volta. “When talking to our extensive group of customers, vehicle range is uppermost in their minds as it sits at the heart of the vehicle’s ability to deliver for them. It was therefore imperative that we work with an industry-leader to ensure the quality, longevity, and safe performance of the battery. Proterra’s cutting-edge but well-proven battery technology perfectly delivers all of this for us and our customers.”

According to Proterra, their batteries feature passive and active safety features, liquid thermal conditioning, and adheres to the functional safety standards, including ISO 26262 (up to ASIL C). The Proterra battery is designed to deliver over 4,000 recharge cycles over 10 years, without significant degradation, to ensure the longevity of the vehicle.

“Embracing clean, quiet transportation for all not only benefits how we move people around cities and towns but also how we provide goods and services to the communities we live in,” added Jack Allen, Proterra CEO. “Proterra is excited to work with Volta Trucks as we accelerate the transition to 100% clean transportation and deliver Proterra Powered clean energy vehicles to communities across Europe.”