Design & Engineering Insights: New Cab Design for Volta Zero Electric Truck Improves Safety

Rob Fowler, CEO of Volta Trucks, says that because the company was not using a legacy supply chain or existing diesel truck design, it was able to completely redesign its product—the Volta Zero electric truck—from scratch including the operator cab.

One of the key criteria was designing a cab which eliminates blind spots so as to improve visibility and thus safety. Fowler says the company also wanted to ensure optimal operator comfort and make the experience similar to that of driving a high-end car. Not only does this help to make driving more enjoyable for operators, but also helps with driver retention.

Volta Trucks achieved this by designing the truck with the driver in mind; it includes several ergonomic features and a lower cab height to ease entry and exit. Visibility around the vehicle is improved by dropping the driver's eye height down to be in line with pedestrians, as well as including more safety systems and more glass area for a wider field of view from the driver's seat.