Electric car sets record running to 6,500 m altitude

Chile's Terren electric car, powered by solar energy, makes history by climbing the side of the world's highest active volcano.

Peak Evolution team and Terren electric car set a record for climbing 6,500 m. Photo: Gebrüder Weiss/Anna Pocinska

The three-man Peak Evolution team based in Switzerland drove the Terren solar truck up the western slope of the Ojos del Salado volcano in Chile, the world’s highest active volcano. This is the first time an electric vehicle has reached 6,500 meters above sea level, marking a new milestone for green technology, Interesting Engineering reported on December 27.

The Terren used on the expedition was a modified Aebi VT450 Transporter truck from Swiss company Aebi Schmidt. The Peak Evolution trio, Patrik Koller, David Koller and David Pröschel, developed the Terren prototype as an all-electric utility vehicle.

The Terren features rear-wheel steering for added agility, and a 90 kWh battery pack, providing a range of up to 200 km. Later production versions can be fitted with a larger 140 kWh battery pack, increasing range. Swiss battery maker EcoVolta contributed to the Terren's technology, lowering the nominal voltage from 400 V to 300 V to better suit the high altitude. A backup system of three parallel batteries ensures durability, allowing the vehicle to operate uninterrupted even if one battery fails.

The Peak Evolution team uses a combination of rooftop and ground-based solar panels to power their electric trucks. Photo: Gebrüder Weiss/Anna Pocinska

The record-setting journey began about eight weeks ago, when logistics company Gebrüder Weiss transported Terren from Switzerland to the Atacama region of Chile. From there, the Peak Evolution team set off in an electric truck, starting at the Maricunga salt lake and gradually acclimating to the 3,400-meter-high mountain environment. The harsh conditions of the world’s highest active volcano not only challenged the high-tech vehicle, but also put the team through a physical and mental challenge.

At the end of November, the Peak Evolution team reached an important milestone when they surpassed the 6,000 meter mark, breaking the electric vehicle record. About a week later, they continued to set a new record with an altitude of 6,500 meters. After setting the record, the Peak Evolution team plans to continue testing and developing the vehicle, aiming for commercialization.

Thu Thao (According to Interesting Engineering )

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