Volta Trucks has achieved an industry-leading rating for the Direct Vision Standard. The Volta Zero, the company’s all-electric vehicle, received a maximum five-star rating, with a volumetric score of 32.82cu-m. This result is the highest recorded rating for a vehicle tested and represents a 50% increase compared to the nearest competitor vehicle, which scored 22cu-m.
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) was developed by Loughborough University, commissioned by Transport for London (TfL), and led by Dr Steve Summerskill. It was introduced in 2021 as part of London’s Vision Zero Plan, with the aim of eliminating all deaths and serious injuries on the city’s transport network by 2041. The standard sets minimum requirements for driver vision in heavy goods vehicles over 12 tonnes, intending to improve safety on London’s roads.
Beyond the UK, the European Union has also adopted the UNECE Direct Vision Standard for new trucks from 2026 (and all existing trucks from 2029) in 29 countries, including every EU member state. This move aims to ensure vehicles operating in city centres provide better vision for drivers.
The Volta Zero has been designed with safety as a top priority. The driver’s central position in the vehicle, coupled with a lower seat height than conventional trucks, places their eye-line at around 1.8m, similar to pedestrians and other road users. The glasshouse-style cab provides a panoramic view with a wide 220-degree field of direct visibility, enhanced by camera technology offering 360 degree coverage of the vehicle’s surroundings.
