Volta Trucks has achieved a notable rating for its flagship model, the Volta Zero, in the Direct Vision Standard (DVS). The vehicle has received a volumetric score of 32.82mĀ³, surpassing all previous records for any vehicle tested and outperforming the closest competitor by a significant 50%, which scored at 22mĀ³.
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is the result of extensive research conducted over nearly a decade by Loughborough University, commissioned by Transport for London (TfL) and led by Dr Steve Summerskill. The DVS was developed for heavy goods vehicles operating in and around London, aiming to improve driver vision and enhance road safety. Introduced in 2021 as part of the Mayor of London’s Vision Zero Plan, the DVS sets specific requirements for driver vision in commercial vehicles over 12 tonnes, with the ultimate goal of eliminating all deaths and serious injuries on London’s transport network by 2041.
The implications of this achievement extend beyond the UK, with 29 countries, including all EU member states, planning to adopt a UNECE Direct Vision Standard for new trucks starting in 2026, with existing trucks required to comply by 2029. This unified standard ensures that vehicles operating in city centres across Europe offer improved vision for drivers, thereby contributing to road safety.
The Volta Zero, an innovative all-electric commercial vehicle, was designed with a strong emphasis on safety, considering the well-being of urban road users, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. The driver’s position in the Volta Zero is centrally located and lower than that of a conventional truck, providing better visual communication with other road users at a height of approximately 1.8 meters. The vehicle’s cab features a glasshouse-style design, offering a panoramic view with a wide 220-degree field of direct visibility. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with advanced camera technology, providing a 360-degree view of its surroundings, further enhancing driver awareness.
Ian Collins, Chief Product Officer at Volta Trucks, expressed satisfaction with the vehicle’s design, stating, “With the design of the Volta Zero, we had the chance to start from a blank sheet of paper. We wanted to produce an electric vehicle, but we also wanted to address the safety issues that we see every day when trucks are operating in built-up environments. From the very start of the project to create the Volta Zero, we have been very much informed by the research that Loughborough has done. We are pleased to see that this is now being adopted as an industry standard across Europe.”
Dr Steve Summerskill, the driving force behind the creation of the DVS, also shared his thoughts on the new standard, emphasizing the importance of addressing the inadequate visibility of current trucks and the risks posed to vulnerable road users. He praised the efforts of organizations like Transport for London in driving change and credited their initiatives for contributing to the establishment of a new European standard. Dr Summerskill believes that this transformative change will undoubtedly improve road safety and protect countless cyclists and pedestrians.
Dr Summerskill further commended the Volta Zero, highlighting its exceptional visibility and design. “Iāve sat in all kinds of trucks all over the world, and the Volta Zero is really quite stunning in terms of the ability to see everything that you need to see around you when at a junction. I am very impressed with the design of the Volta Zero,” he added.
