In October of last year, Volta Trucks declared bankruptcy, but it has now reactivated: customer trials are already underway, and the aim is to begin deliveries by the end of 2024 in Germany, followed by France, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia.
Despite these developments, it is undeniable that the adoption of electric heavy-duty vehicles remains “very slow” and, therefore, “support is needed”.
“We need to develop frameworks or incentives that ensure the transition is as inclusive as possible,” acknowledges Carla Detrieux, Director of Business Development at Volta Trucks.
These statements were made during the event “Harnessing Opportunities in Electric Mobility” held at the European Parliament, which was covered by Mobility Portal Europe.
The reality is that there is a fragmentation in the transport value chain.
“We sell to well-known brands, but in reality, this transport is delegated to operators who own only a few trucks,” comments Detrieux.
She continues: “That’s why we need inclusion for these operators, who must have access to these technologies because carbon savings are the new currency, but our customers still cannot access them.”
Furthermore, the Volta Trucks representative highlights the need to build trust among users.
“They can no longer rely on policies that move forwards and backwards,” she states.
For them, the investment model is a long-term one.
“That’s why continuity in regulations and all the implemented frameworks is essential,” adds Detrieux.
The company’s representative stresses that “homogeneity” is also important.
What does she mean? “From one location to another, from one country to another, or from one region to another, everything is different,” she explains.
Finally, Detrieux emphasises the need for more drivers.
“There is a shortage of drivers across Europe, and I’m not just referring to the lack of new generations but also the lack of women,” she laments.
The reality is that only 2% of workers in this industry are women, and the average age of drivers is 55.
Volta Trucks reactivates: How to avoid making the same “mistake”?
Last year, battery supplier Proterra declared bankruptcy, causing a domino effect that impacted Volta Trucks’ production plans.
“We made the mistake of relying on a single battery source, which went through a difficult phase, and we couldn’t complete our last funding round,” recalls Detrieux.
At the time, the company had raised 550 million euros and was in the final round, with trucks already on the road, in the production line, and in customer operations.
“This highlights the importance of funding in this still immature but hopeful market,” she acknowledges.
However, Volta Trucks saw the light at the end of the tunnel: it secured new investors and managed to restart the business.
Now, the company’s production line is up and running, and it is receiving orders.
From this experience, Detrieux recognises: “As an aggregator, we rely on every component, but the battery is the riskiest element, and it is also the core and heart of the vehicles.”
“So, we need to place emphasis on ensuring we have a reliable battery value chain,” she adds.
Finally, given that the slow adoption of electric trucks is partly due to their higher cost compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, Detrieux points to second-hand batteries as a “valuable” and “very promising” option.
“Even though there is demand, we need to incentivise this adoption, and the battery is the most expensive component,” she explains.
