Gebrüder Weiss celebrates Solar Electric Truck Record Ascent in Chile
In the realm of cutting-edge mobility, a ground-breaking event unfolded at Ojos del Salado in Chile, leaving an indelible mark on the future of transportation.
The Gebrüder Weiss Peak Evolution Team, armed with a revolutionary solar-powered truck, ascended to a staggering 6,500 meters, clinching a new world altitude record for electric vehicles (e-vehicles).
This feat, a blend of ingenuity and perseverance, speaks volumes about the potential of alternative drive technologies in confronting today’s environmental challenges.
A Leap for Sustainable Mobility
The journey to the zenith wasn’t just about breaking records; it was a testament to sustainable innovation. “This is a record not only for this technology but for our years of research work and for the very future of mobility,” stated Patrik Koller, the CEO and developer at Peak Evolution.
Their success is a beacon, illuminating the path for alternative drives in industries such as mining and demanding transport tasks.
The Backbone of Innovation: Gebrüder Weiss
Gebrüder Weiss, a name synonymous with tradition and future-forward thinking in logistics, played a pivotal role as the logistics partner and main sponsor. Frank Haas, Head of Corporate Brand Strategy & Communications at Gebrüder Weiss, shared: “As the oldest transport and logistics company, we are committed to the future of mobility.”
Their involvement stretched beyond financial backing, ensuring the safe transit of the vehicle to South America and back to Switzerland.
The Odyssey to Ojos del Salado
The expedition’s inception traced back two months prior, with Gebrüder Weiss orchestrating the e-truck’s transport from Switzerland, via Rotterdam, to Chile. The journey continued overland to the Atacama region. Starting at the Maricunga salt lake at 3,400 meters, the team faced the mountain’s brutal terrain and harsh environmental conditions, a true test of both human and machine endurance.
“Despite these extreme conditions, our specially developed vehicle managed to drive higher than any other e-vehicle – let alone a solar-powered one,” Koller remarked with pride. The team’s four-year preparation culminated in this endeavour, with their determination unwavering amidst the challenges.
Breaking Barriers and Setting Records
Their first major breakthrough occurred at the end of November, surpassing the 6,000-meter barrier, a feat in itself for e-vehicles. However, the team didn’t stop there. A week later, they reached 6,500 meters, conquering the western ridge of the world’s highest volcano solely on solar power.
With the record secured, the team’s attention now turns to the safe repatriation of the trailblazing vehicle to Switzerland.
Gebrüder Weiss: Pioneering Future Projects
Gebrüder Weiss’s commitment to pioneering projects continues unabated. January will see them host a dress rehearsal of the Austrian Space Forum’s Mars mission, followed by testing an autonomous truck and dispatching a research team to Greenland to study climate change impacts.
