DSV begins on-road testing of all-electric Volta Zero

DSV has begun on-the-road tests of the 16-tonne, all-electric, medium-duty Volta Zero, which is being operated out of its southern hub in Purfleet.

The electric truck will be making last-mile groupage deliveries in London and the south east. With a battery capacity of 150-225 kWh, depending on specification, the Volta Zero returns a real-world pure electric range of 95–125 miles on a single charge.

DSV expects to be operating the electric truck from 6am to 7pm, with overnight charging back at the main depot.  

It is the first zero-tailpipe emission truck on the DSV fleet but the company is committed to reaching net zero emissions across its operations by 2050. 

John Hawksworth, senior director for road operation, domestic and distribution at DSV, said: “We have researched the possibility of facilitating electric vehicles without impacting service levels for some time and Volta Trucks provided us with the perfect solution.

“We are delighted to be part of such a significant innovation in the industry and look forward to evaluating the benefits in the coming months.

“Following the success of the trial, we anticipate expanding our fleet further throughout the UK and beyond.”

Chris Heddle, UK sales manager at Volta Trucks, said that he was delighted to see the Volta Zero operational on UK roads as part of its Driving Experience Programme, and to see DSV using the vehicle for real-world day-to-day deliveries.

He added: “At Volta Trucks, we are focused on driving towards more sustainable, safer and healthier cities and have a laser focus on accelerating the electrification of the commercial transport sector.”

The Volta Zero has achieved a benchmark score for Direct Vision and has been awarded a five star rating.

With a volumetric score of 32.82 cubic metres, the rating for the Volta Zero is the highest ever result of any vehicle tested and 50% higher than the nearest competitor vehicle tested, at 22 cubic metres.