DPD UK has completed a series of engineering tests with the full-electric Volta Zero, as part of wider Beta Trials for the new, 16-tonne vehicle.
The Design Verification prototype vehicle was based at the firm’s Hinckley Superhub in Leicestershire. DPD’s drivers were accompanied by Volta Trucks engineers and qualified drivers and, while no parcels were onboard, the truck was tested on a range of pre-determined routes including motorways, A-roads and urban centres.
The Volta Zero is claimed to be the world’s first purpose-built full-electric 16-tonne vehicle, designed for urban logistics. Stated to have an operating pure-electric range of 95 – 125 miles, the truck is designed to significantly reduce the environmental impact of freight deliveries in city centres.
It is stated that the truck has been designed from the ground-up with vehicle, driver and pedestrian safety in mind. The combination of a central driving position with a much lower seat height and the glass house-style cab design is claimed to give the driver a wide 220-degrees of visibility, minimising dangerous blind spots.
The Beta Trials are part of Volta’s Test and Development programme and are said to be a key step towards the start of customer Production in early 2023.
DPD’s aim is to be the most sustainable parcel delivery company in the UK and the company is on track to have over 3,000 electric vehicles (EVs) on the road this year and 4,000 by 2023, when it will be delivering to 30 towns and cities using electric vehicles only.
Source: DPD
