Voltu launches delivery of all-electric heavy-duty pickup trucks in Riverside.
Voltu Motor Inc., an electric vehicle startup, has officially commenced the production and delivery of its first heavy-duty, all-electric pickup trucks. The event took place at the company’s expansive headquarters in Riverside, California, symbolizing a significant milestone for the manufacturer.
Riverside Public Utilities has taken a proactive step by purchasing ten of the Voltu3 pickups, with plans to order an additional ten for its general services department. This marks Riverside as the inaugural customer for Voltu in the United States with a substantial order valued at .7 million. While the city has not disclosed the full investment for the trucks and associated charging infrastructure, the commitment underscores Riverside’s investment in sustainable transportation solutions.
Voltu, which originated in Buenos Aires more than a decade ago, has already established a footprint in the international market, selling its vehicles to prominent corporations such as Coca-Cola FEMSA, the largest Coca-Cola bottler globally, and Anheuser-Busch InBev. In total, the company has delivered 20 vehicles to various commercial customers in Mexico.
David Garcia, the general manager of Riverside Public Utilities, indicated that the city-run utility could potentially procure up to 80 Voltu pickups over the next three to five years. The initiative aims to capitalize on California’s new billion rebate program for electric trucks, which offers significant rebates for businesses investing in electric commercial vehicles.
The Voltu3 trucks boast impressive capabilities, featuring a range of 350 miles, a towing capacity of 17,000 pounds, and a payload of 4,400 pounds. Priced at approximately 5,000, these Class 3 vehicles are positioned as essential workhorses for both commercial and consumer applications. Garcia envisions the trucks being utilized for utility tasks, including hauling tools and materials necessary for maintenance and repair operations.
The Voltu manufacturing facility, named Voltu Forge One, spans 40,000 square feet and currently employs about 20 workers. The workforce is projected to expand to 50 by year-end 2023 and aims to reach 220 employees by late 2027.
George Gebhart, founder and CEO of Voltu, has indicated a robust order pipeline, estimating million in current and anticipated orders for over 700 trucks. He refrained from disclosing specific client names but noted interest from industries related to airports, ports, and local governments throughout California. Gebhart expressed confidence in the company’s growth trajectory, with plans to deploy 100 trucks by November 2026.
In the context of a competitive electric vehicle market in Southern California, Voltu faces challenges from shifting federal policies regarding EV investments. However, California’s state-level incentives continue to encourage expansion in the electric vehicle sector.
In a regional landscape marked by varying fortunes among electric truck manufacturers, Voltu appears well-positioned to influence the growing demand for zero-emission commercial vehicles. As the industry evolves, the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation may serve as a model for the future of electric transportation in the United States.
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