THE Volterra™ ZSL™

VOLTERRA™ ZSL™ ELECTRIC REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLE.

Volterra Electric Refuse Truck The McNeilus Volterra™ ZSL™ is North America’s first fully integrated electric refuse collection vehicle, designed to provide an unparalleled experience for drivers, technicians, and owners alike. This groundbreaking vehicle sets a new standard for innovation and sustainability, while potentially reducing total cost of ownership by an estimated 14%. The Volterra ZSL™ is also certified as a zero-emission vehicle by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Cab

Single Steer, RH or LH Handed Sit
Manual Adjust, Heated & Ventilated Air-Ride Seat
Tilt/Telescope Steering Column & Wheel
Digital Widescreen Instrument Cluster
Joystick & Controls Console
Integrated Wide-Screen Center Display
RH & LH Power Windows, Power Sunshade
Dual Wipers, Steering Controlled
5v USB-A Accessory Power Point (Dash)
5v Dual USB-A/USB-C at Armrest
Tablet Mount RAM-style (Optional)
Meets MILSTD 1472, NIOSH, SAE J2979/J1814

ClearSky™ Telematics

8-year subscription (linked to battery warranty)
OTA Software Updates
System Health: Battery, Hydraulics, Cooling
Custom Fleet Truck Settings
Collection Speed, Max RPM, Tailgate Logic, etc.
Fault Codes for All Major Systems
Condition-Based Maintenance Scheduling
Driver Park Alert + TMPS Monitoring

Active Safety Systems

Radar Blind Spot w/ Pedestrian Detection
On-Board Turn Indicator Detection
Forward Collision Avoidance w/ Auto Braking
Lane Departure System
360° Surround Cameras & Object Detection
Rear Cross Traffic Monitoring
Driver Monitoring via Lytx
Stability Control + Thermal Monitoring

Battery System

Two (2) 12V Lead-Acid Low Voltage Batteries
Battery Disconnect Switch at Battery Box
90% Charge in 4 Hours (Level 2)
SAE J1772/CCS1 200-Amp Charge Port
MSD Isolation & Battery Fire Containment
8-Year Battery Warranty to 850 MWh or 80%

Body Size & Materials

Capacity: 27 yd³ (Opt: 31 yd³)
3/16″ AR200 Heavy-Duty Floor
0.131″ AR450 High Strength First Side Panel
10 Gauge AR200 All Other Side Walls
12 Gauge A572/A1011 GR 50 Steel Roof
Cleanout Door + Spill Tray Both Sides
Two (2) Hydraulic Body Lift Cylinders

Hopper Materials

Floor: 0.25 in. AR400 High-Strength Steel
Inner Sides: 10 GAUGE A606 GR 50
Outer Sides: 12 GAUGE A607 GR 50, Radiused
Door: 34″ H x 29.5″ W Multi-Point Locking

Packer

Rear Rail Plates: XWEAR Chromium Carbide
Bottom & Side Wear Shoes: G50 Steel
3/8″ (0.25 in) Wear Shoe on Side Walls

Arm

Standard Arm Reach: 6 ft
Optional Extended Reach: 12 ft

Performance

Top Speed: 65 MPH
Grade: 27 MPH on 5% | 6 MPH on 20%
Acceleration: 0–20 MPH in 8.1 sec
Turning Diameter: 63’–71′ Wall to Wall

Axle – Front

Front Axle: 20,000 lbs. GAWR
Front Suspension: 4” Elliptical Taper Leaf
Front Shock Absorber: Included
Front Brakes: Air Disc – ZF Maxxus L2.0

Axles – Rear

Rear Axles: 2x 23,000 lbs. GAWR Tandem Set
Tandem Spacing: 54 inches
Tandem Suspension: 54 inches
Brakes: ZF Maxxus L2.0 Air Disc
Transmission: 2-Speed Auto
Differential Lock: Locking diff on each axle
Auto Shift to Neutral for Towing
Optional: Watson SL4133, 500 lbs. Rated Steerable Axle & Wheels

Wheels & Tires

Front Axle Tires: 315/80R22.5 Bridgestone M870 (Qty 2)
Front & Rear Wheels: Aluminum Clean Buff

eASL Route & Payload

Distance: 80 miles
Picks: 1000
Route Time: 10 hours
Highway: 32 miles (1 hour)
Route: 48 miles (9 hours)
Payload Allowance: Assumes 2,000 lb. ZEV allowance
Battery Use: ≈80% discharge

Lighting & Compliance

Cab Light Package: Standard LED
Body/Hopper Light Package: LED
Chassis Lights: DOT Compliant LED
Tailgate Light Package: LED
Work Light Package: LED
State Configs: CA, OR, AZ, CO bridge law compliant

View Spec SheetView Spec Sheet

Built-In Comfort & Safety

The Volterra™ ZSL™ prioritizes driver comfort and safety with its thoughtfully designed cab, offering nearly 38% more space than the industry average. This spacious environment is complemented by a flexible interior layout, a low 15-inch step for easy access, direct visibility, active safety systems, and streamlined controls, creating an optimal workspace for drivers.

Low 15″ step height

Drivers come in many shapes and sizes. That’s why our design and placement of the pedals, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, along with integrated controls and temperature-controlled seating.

Direct Visibility

Direct visibility helps drivers see obstacles and can help minimize potential incidents along the way.

More Interior Space

The fully integrated design of the cab puts the driver first with 38% more space compared to a traditional cab. This promotes driver alertness, boosts comfort and makes it easy to operate.

Elevated Driver Workspace

With a step height that’s 2″ lower than industry standard, drivers can easily board and exit from the street or curbside. This can make a hard day’s work a little easier and contribute to reduced risk of injury on the job.

Driver-Assistance System

Fully installed at the factory and standard on every McNeilus Volterra ZSL electric refuse collection vehicle, this integrated system includes blind-spot monitoring, 360° camera view, forward and rear collision notification, park assist, backup camera, rear cross traffic assist, lane departure warning and advanced emergency braking.

Driver Instrument Panel Display

The 12.3″ digital gauge cluster display keeps the driver informed with speed, odometer, battery regeneration, tire pressure, indicator lights, 360° camera images and more.

Designed For The Driver

We understand that a comfortable and safe driving experience is essential for maximizing productivity and minimizing fatigue. That’s why the Volterra™ ZSL™ electric refuse collection vehicle incorporates a range of thoughtful design features aimed at enhancing driver comfort, visibility, and control.

McNeilus Zero Radius™ Vertical Lift ArmThis vehicle features a 6-foot standard reach arm for dense urban routes or a 12-foot reach arm for easy access around parked cars. With over a decade of proven reliability, it offers less maintenance and improved total cost.
Tight turning radiusThe Volterra ZSL boasts a turning radius of 57 to 67 feet, allowing drivers to collect refuse without leaving the cab and easily navigate cul-de-sacs and tight corners.
ServiceabilityReal-time data and monitoring enhance the driver experience with tire pressure alerts, automated daily checks, cloud-based telematics, and DVR capabilities. Condition-based maintenance reduces downtime, and serviceable components are accessible from the ground.
Right- and left-hand configurationsThe purpose-built cab of the Volterra ZSL can be configured for both right- and left-hand drive, accommodating seated and standing operator positions.

Moving toward a more sustainable future

The Volterra ZSL is designed to help customers reach their sustainability objectives. Featuring an electrified drivetrain, e-axle architecture, smart battery system, and cooperative regenerative braking, this vehicle can complete an entire day’s route on a single charge—producing zero emissions. It has received certification from both the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

CARB and EPA CertifiedThe McNeilus Volterra ZSL holds three certifications from the EPA and CARB, offering a solution to meet sustainability goals and EV requirements.
Electrified DrivetrainPowered by advanced lithium-ion batteries and an electric-axle system, the vehicle achieves a full day's refuse collection on a single charge, with zero emissions and a B10 rating of 300,000 miles.
Smart Battery Management SystemThis system manages battery life by optimizing charge cycles and shedding non-essential functions like HVAC when battery levels are low.
High Battery CapacityWith 20% more capacity on average, the vehicle offers extended range to service more homes and complete additional routes.