Bicester-based Darcica Logistics is trialling a 16-tonne Volta Zero fully-electric HGV truck for the company’s pallet network deliveries and collections in and around Oxfordshire.

The Palletways member operates a fleet of 3.5 tonne vans, 7.5 and 18 tonne HGVs and 44 tonne artics, which includes four Maxus eDeliver9 electric vans. Now it is looking to to take on a larger electric vehicle.

The trial was initially delayed after Volta Trucks filed for insolvency in October last year, following the collapse of its battery provider Proterra, which hit the manufacturer’s production plans. However by December the company was bought by Luxor Capital and Darcica’s trial of the Volta Zero is now back on track.

The Volta Zero, which is the world’s first purpose-built 16-tonne electric truck, is designed for urban distribution. It offers a battery capacity of 150 - 225 kWh, a 200 km range, zero tailpipe emissions and reduced noise levels.

Fitted with state-of-the-art sensors and cameras to improve the vehicles safety and mobility, Darcica said it is an ideal heavy goods vehicle for operating and delivering in and around city centres.

Anthony Tattersall, Darcica owner and director, said: “We do about 100 miles a day and go to two hubs, Birmingham and London, so the mileage we’re doing is well within the capabilities of an electric vehicle.

”We believe it will have a 200km range and hold about 10-12 pallets. It will be interesting to see how the Volta Zero performs during our trial period in terms of capacity and charging times, as well as the overall drive and manoeuvrability experience.”

Darcica offers parcel and pallet deliveries and collections, fulfilment and storage. The company employs 27 full time staff at Bicester and more than 80 self-employed workers at its Reading and Swindon sites, under the Amazon Delivery Service Partner programme.

 

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