Continuing to practise what it preaches about sustainable logistics, local business Darcica Logistics is currently trialling a 16-tonne Volta Zero fully-electric HGV truck for the company’s pallet network deliveries and collections in and around Oxfordshire.  

The current Darcica fleet comprises 3.5 vans, 7.5 and 18 tonne HGVs and 44 tonne artics, but the Bicester-based company is keen to take on a bigger electric vehicle. Its first step into electrification was with four Maxus eDeliver9 electric vans fitted to deliver in and around Oxford along with the rest of the UK, Oxford still being the only net-zero city in the UK, which have performed well. Darcica is a member of the Palletways UK network and has made a significant contribution to the strength of Palletways’ network since joining – delivering over 30,000 pallets in the last year alone.

The trial was initially delayed due to Volta’s financial difficulties at the end of 2023, but the company has been acquired and is now back on track.  The Volta Zero is the world’s first purpose-built 16-tonne electric truck, said to revolutionise commercial vehicle operations and deliver a next-generation driving experience. It has a range of key benefits including zero tailpipe emissions and greatly reduced noise levels. Fitted with state-of-the-art sensors and cameras to improve the vehicles safety and mobility, it’s an ideal heavy goods vehicle for operating and delivering in and around city centres.

Anthony Tattersall, Darcica’s owner and director said: “We do about 100 miles a day and go to two hubs, Birmingham and London, so the mileage we’re doing is well within the capabilities of an electric vehicle. We believe it will have a 200km range and hold about 10-12 pallets. It will be interesting to see how the Volta Zero performs during our trial period in terms of capacity and charging times, as well as the overall drive and manoeuvrability experience.”

Darcica offers parcel and pallet deliveries and collections, fulfilment and storage – and is a one-stop sustainable logistics solution. It employs 27 full time staff at Bicester and 80+ self-employed at its Reading and Swindon sites (under the Amazon Delivery Service Partner programme).