Volta Trucks releases lifecycle analysis covering electric Zero model

Volta Zero electric truck (Photo: Volta Trucks)

Volta Trucks, Swedish manufacturer of the Volta Zero electric truck, has published an initial lifecycle assessment report covering the vehicle’s carbon footprint.

The report is described as being the first of its type to cover a prototype vehicle. While not based on a production version of the Zero, Volta stated that the exercise was to support ‘transparent communication of its sustainability efforts with stakeholders’.

The report, which was completed by Ricardo Energy and Environment, is based on a cradle-to-grave lifecycle assessment of the Zero when fitted with an ambient cargo area.

Breaking down lifetime emissions into contribution phases, the highest is in the ‘use phase’. Making up 62% of total CO2 production over the vehicle lifetime, the majority is related to electricity produced to recharge the batteries. Tyres and other consumables are also factored into this section.

It is noted that emissions in the use phase can be mitigated when using electricity generated using sustainable methods (wind, solar, etc.).

Materials make up 33% of the Zero’s lifetime carbon footprint, with this portion combining the battery packs together with steel, aluminium and other structural elements.

Cutting CO2 at material suppliers and across the logistics network would help to reduce this number.

End-of-life recycling activities add a further 4.5% of CO2 output over the vehicles’ lifecycle, while manufacturing produces just 0.5% of the total.

It was noted that extending the vehicle lifespan to reduce the CO2 output per kilometre would help to reduce total carbon emissions across vehicle lifespan.

Moving forward, the report stated that Volta would look to perform a lifecycle assessment covering the production version of the Zero, with a view to increasing the accuracy of the analysis.

There is also a plan to promote ways to reduce the related carbon footprint, such as using low-CO2 power sources and cutting supply chain emissions.

The company also plans to expand the scope of the lifecycle assessment to include other environmental improvement opportunities, including air quality and resource efficiency.

The Carbon footprint report for the early prototype 16-tonne Volta Zero can be accessed here (basic details are required for download).