Volta Trucks launches Zero into production
The Swedish commercial vehicle start-up Volta Trucks has announced the start of production of the fully electric 16-ton Volta Zero at Steyr Automotive. Prototypes for design verification and production validation were already rolling off the assembly line in 2022. Now, the production of customer-specific series models is beginning. The first vehicles will be used as part of the Volta Zero Driving Experience Program. During these practical tests, customers will be provided with a truck for an extended period to determine if the medium-duty electric distributor can be integrated into their fleet. The first trucks ordered by customers are expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2023. Last week, Volta Trucks also welcomed the Austrian Federal Minister for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology, Leonore Gewessler, at the production site in Steyr.
"Here in Steyr, modern, climate-friendly electric trucks are being manufactured with the Volta Zero from today. This demonstrates that e-mobility holds enormous opportunities for Austria and Europe: More climate protection, higher quality of life in our cities, and future-proof jobs. I am truly proud that this production is taking place in Austria. Thank you for the exciting insight into this impressive work," emphasized Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler after her visit.
The vehicles are being produced by Steyr Automotive on behalf of Volta Trucks. The Austrian company, with over 100 years of experience in commercial vehicle manufacturing, won the extensive tender process in August 2021. According to the provider, the decisive factors were not only the production experience but also the existing facilities and the rapid market introduction that could be achieved as a result. The production has a reserved capacity of up to 14,000 vehicles per year. The new manufacturer plans to gradually increase the production volume in the coming years to fully utilize the maximum capacities at Steyr. More than 700 jobs are expected to be created in production. An estimated additional 2,000 jobs are expected to emerge within the supply chain.
"The first Volta Zero to roll off the production line here in Steyr is the most significant milestone for our company. It took just 2.5 years from the presentation of a concept to the design, development, and quality phase, and finally to the start of serial production. That is half the time other truck manufacturers take," explained Kjell Walöen, co-founder and Chief Manufacturing and Logistics Officer of Volta Trucks.
The manufacturer regards the Zero as the world's first fully electric 16-ton commercial vehicle, specifically developed for urban goods transport. With a modular battery up to 225 kWh and a range of 150 to 200 km, the completely newly developed electric truck is expected to save approximately 1.9 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2026.
Translated automatically from German.Elektromobilität , Newsletter Elektromobilität , IAA Mobility , SUVs und Geländewagen , Hybrid , Antriebsarten, Kraftstoffe und Emissionen , Oberklasse- und Sportwagen , Carsharing , Autonomes Fahren (Straßenverkehr) , Ladeinfrastruktur , Verkehrspolitik , Formel E , Brennstoffzellen , Fahrzeug-Vernetzung und -Kommunikation , Fahrzeuge & Fuhrpark , Automotive-Messen & Veranstaltungen , Pkw, Kompakt- und Mittelklasse , Minis und Kleinwagen , E-Auto-Datenbank, E-Mobilität-/Automotive-Newsletter, E-Auto-Tests