Voltempo Driverless Electric Truck Targets Higher Payload Capacity

On August 26, IAA Transportation announced that Voltempo is developing a driverless, cab-free electric truck intended to provide greater payload capacity than conventional heavy commercial vehicles. The planned vehicle is a five-axle straight truck measuring 15.6 meters in length and carrying a gross vehicle weight rating of 42 metric tons. Voltempo expects the cab-free configuration to improve the vehicle's usable cargo capacity while supporting autonomous operation. A prototype is scheduled for completion by September 2027, establishing a development timeline ahead of testing and anticipated customer deliveries.

Cab-Free Design Targets Higher Payload Capacity

By eliminating the driver's cab, Voltempo expects to gain around 15% more cargo volume and an additional five to seven metric tons of usable payload compared with a conventional semi-trailer truck. For average transport tasks, the company estimates that cargo capacity could reach approximately 18.6 metric tons, compared with 16 metric tons for a conventional configuration. Despite the increased capacity, the planned truck would be about 1.5 meters shorter than a full-size semi-truck. This combination is intended to improve the relationship between vehicle dimensions, cargo volume, and payload capacity for heavy transportation applications.

Prototype Development and Autonomous Testing

Berkeley Coachworks is responsible for building the prototype, while an established truck manufacturer will supply the electric powertrain. The identity of the powertrain supplier has not yet been disclosed. The prototype is scheduled for completion by September 2027, after which testing is planned on an autonomous vehicle test track in South Wales. Voltempo expects testing on the dedicated track to begin in late 2027 before the vehicle progresses to public road testing. The staged approach will allow the company to evaluate the driverless truck before broader road deployment.

Initial Deliveries Planned for 2028

Following prototype completion and the planned testing program, Voltempo anticipates that initial deliveries of the cab-free electric truck could begin in mid-2028. The vehicle's development combines autonomous driving with an electric powertrain and a five-axle straight-truck architecture, while removing the conventional driver's cab to create additional space for cargo. The company is targeting a 42-metric-ton gross vehicle weight rating and expects the configuration to provide five to seven metric tons of additional usable payload compared with a conventional semi-trailer truck. Public road testing is expected to follow track-based evaluation in late 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Voltempo developing with its new electric truck?
Voltempo is developing a driverless, cab-free electric truck designed to increase cargo capacity and usable payload compared with conventional heavy commercial vehicles. The five-axle straight truck is planned to measure 15.6 meters and have a 42-metric-ton gross vehicle weight rating. By removing the driver's cab, the company expects around 15% more cargo volume and five to seven metric tons of additional usable payload. A prototype is scheduled for September 2027, with autonomous track testing planned for late 2027 and initial deliveries anticipated in mid-2028.