Voltu Motor, a pioneering force in zero-emission commercial vehicle technology
Voltu Motor, a pioneering force in zero-emission commercial vehicle technology, has officially announced a new pilot project in collaboration with the City of Riverside’s Fleet Initiative. As part of this initiative, Voltu will deploy 10 high-performance Voltu3 electric work trucks, designed to showcase cutting-edge technology, including a patented onboard fast-charging system and an advanced powertrain. This effort is backed by a $600,000 grant from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) and the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Committee.
The approval of this grant comes on the heels of Voltu securing Executive Order (EO) certification from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), a crucial step toward the company’s goal of commercializing its Class 3 zero-emission trucks across California. This certification validates Voltu’s ability to meet the state’s stringent air quality and emissions standards, further positioning the company as a leader in the clean transportation industry.
Innovative Charging Technology
One of the standout features of the Voltu3 electric work truck is its proprietary onboard fast-charger. Unlike conventional charging methods that rely on extensive and costly charging infrastructure, Voltu’s system leverages the vehicle’s motor and power electronics to enable fast charging of up to 200 kW from an AC three-phase power source. This groundbreaking technology not only eliminates the need for additional charging stations but also reduces associated costs and ensures greater operational efficiency for fleet operators.
In addition to its innovative charging system, the Voltu3 is equipped with a robust and high-energy-density battery pack featuring patented immersion cooling technology. This advanced battery design supports an impressive range of up to 350 miles on a single charge. Furthermore, the vehicle boasts dual-motor four-wheel drive capabilities, allowing it to deliver performance that meets or even exceeds that of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) work trucks.
According to Juan Ignacio Artola, Chief Commercial Officer of Voltu Motor, this combination of efficiency and capability sets a new standard in the commercial electric vehicle (EV) market. “Voltu’s proprietary onboard fast charger and advanced powertrain set a new benchmark for the commercial EV market,” Artola stated. “By combining cost-efficiency with uncompromising vehicle capability, we’re empowering fleets to adopt zero-emission technology without sacrificing performance or profitability.”
Driving Cost Savings and Sustainability
One of the key advantages of Voltu’s technology is its potential to significantly reduce both infrastructure investments and operating costs for fleet owners. The elimination of dedicated fast-charging stations not only saves money upfront but also streamlines the transition to electric vehicles for businesses and government agencies alike. This financial benefit, combined with the truck’s exceptional range and power, makes the Voltu3 an ideal choice for fleets seeking to adopt sustainable vehicle solutions without compromising efficiency.
The City of Riverside is particularly excited about this deployment, seeing it as an essential step toward its broader environmental goals. Rafael Guzman, Assistant City Manager and Chief Sustainability Officer for Riverside, emphasized the importance of projects like these in achieving cleaner air and reducing carbon emissions. “We have a goal to have zero days of unhealthy air quality and to attain 100% carbon neutrality citywide by 2040,” Guzman explained. “The deployment of the Voltu Class 3 zero-emission work truck gets us one step closer to our goal and establishes us as a greener and cleaner city, setting an example for the State of California.”
Scaling Up Production and Deployment
The 10 Voltu3 trucks being deployed in this pilot program will be among the first vehicles to roll off the production line at Voltu’s newly established manufacturing facility in Riverside. Over the course of six months following their deployment, these trucks will be closely monitored to gather valuable data on their performance, charging efficiency, and overall cost-effectiveness.
This real-world testing will not only validate the capabilities of the Voltu3 but also provide essential insights that can help optimize future models. The data collected will be instrumental in demonstrating the viability of Voltu’s innovative technology at scale, ultimately influencing broader adoption across California and beyond.
As part of its long-term vision, Voltu aims to expand production capacity and increase deployment efforts throughout the state. With California leading the push for clean energy transportation solutions, Voltu’s advancements align perfectly with the state’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning toward a fully electrified transportation sector.
Industry Impact and the Future of Commercial EVs
The commercial vehicle industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by growing regulatory pressures, rising fuel costs, and increasing awareness of environmental sustainability. Voltu’s entry into the market with a high-performance, cost-effective, and infrastructure-independent EV represents a major step forward for fleets looking to modernize their operations.
Traditional ICE vehicles have long dominated the commercial trucking sector due to their perceived reliability and ease of refueling. However, with the introduction of Voltu’s innovative fast-charging system and high-capacity battery technology, the Voltu3 effectively challenges these conventions. Fleet managers now have access to an electric alternative that delivers comparable, if not superior, performance while significantly reducing emissions and long-term operating costs.
As businesses and municipalities continue to explore ways to meet sustainability goals, Voltu’s Class 3 electric work trucks offer a tangible, practical solution. With the pilot program in Riverside serving as a proving ground for the technology, the industry is watching closely to see how these vehicles perform under real-world conditions. A successful deployment could pave the way for widespread adoption, encouraging other cities and companies to follow Riverside’s lead in transitioning to zero-emission fleets.
