Remarkable Ascent by the Swiss Team
Breaking new ground in eco-friendly transportation, an electric truck powered purely by solar energy has made history by ascending Ojos del Salado in Chile, the highest volcano on the planet. This groundbreaking achievement wasn’t just a climb; it established a new altitude record for electric vehicles (EV).
The Team Behind the Feat
The pioneering endeavor was orchestrated by a group of Swiss adventure and sustainability enthusiasts, known as Peak Evolution. Their mission gained momentum with backing from the Austrian logistics heavyweight, Gebrüder Weiss. Their collaborative efforts culminated in the solar electric truck conquering the volcano’s staggering height of 6,500 meters (approximately 21,325 feet).
From Europe to South American Heights
Embarking on their unprecedented quest, the EV embarked on a transcontinental journey from Switzerland to the Atacama region of Chile. The venture commenced with sea freight to Rotterdam, followed by an overland trip reserved for a pre-ascent preparation at Maricunga salt lake, situated at 3,400 meters (11,155 feet).
The Electric Truck’s Capabilities
Revolutionizing traditional transporters, the expedition’s vehicle originated from the Aebi VT450 model, albeit with a twist: the truck was powered by twin electric motors (delivering 120 kW each), versus the conventional gas engine. Outfitted with a robust 300 V nominal EcoVolta lithium-ion battery capable of 90 kWh, its autonomy spanned 200 km (124 miles).
Solar Energy: Harnessing the Sun
The vehicle’s innovative design incorporates a solar charging infrastructure, featuring rooftop panels accompanied by 16 supplementary ground-based panels. Each panel is optimized for efficiency with a peak power output of 370 W and cell efficiency reaching 22.5%. This solar ensemble yields a total of 7.4 kWp, meaning the truck can reclaim 150 km (93 miles) of range in roughly five hours of sunlight.
Advanced Charging System
This solar electric truck benefits from a sophisticated DC-coupled charging system. Ensuring reliability, the system boasts triple redundancy to safeguard against failures. To further bolster efficiency, a quintet of solar charge controllers is employed to maximize solar energy capture. The setup also includes a 230 V AC inverter, crucial for keeping the team’s gear powered up during the challenge.
EV Performance at High Altitude
In the world of electric vehicles, high altitudes are less challenging compared to their gas-fueled counterparts since EVs do not experience a loss in power at elevated heights. Nonetheless, the unforgiving conditions presented by the volcanic landscape served as a rigorous proving ground for both the solar electric truck and the seasoned mountaineers who piloted it.
The Triumph of Persistence and Innovation
Confident in their vehicle’s design and preparedness, CEO and developer Patrik Koller of Peak Evolution shared their collective sentiment, emphasizing their unwavering dedication to the project, cultivated over four years of rigorous training. The drive to reach heights no other electric vehicle, especially a solar-powered one, had ever achieved fueled their aspirations, making surrender a non-option for the visionary team.
