- Gebrüder Weiss’s Peak Evolution Team conquers the heights, seizing a world altitude record for EVs at 6,500 meters on the Ojos del Salado volcano.
- The groundbreaking electric truck, fuelled entirely by solar power, not only claims the EV altitude record but also clinches the solar car altitude title.
- Gebrüder Weiss, the logistics partner, takes center stage in this triumph, underscoring their dedication to future mobility and sustainable initiatives, guaranteeing the secure return of the record-breaking vehicle to Switzerland.
Solar-powered truck soars to new heights, smashing world record for EVs
Gebrüder Weiss, the logistics wizards of Europe, just sent shockwaves through the industry. Their Peak Evolution Team soared to new heights, clinching a world record for EVs. Now that’s logistics on a whole new level.
Conquering the western ridge of Ojos del Salado, the highest active volcano on Earth, the team reached 6,500 meters (approximately 21,000 feet) above sea level. Adding a touch of extraordinary, their solar-powered truck defied expectations to triumph at this unprecedented elevation. This achievement isn’t just about the EV altitude record – it’s now etched in history as the solar vehicle altitude record too.
Patrik Koller, CEO and developer at Peak Evolution, said:
“This is a record not only for this technology, but for our years of research work and for the very future of mobility. We hope that this success will attract more attention to alternative drives and their use in mining and other demanding transport tasks.”
Gebrüder Weiss, not just a sponsor but a vital cog in the team’s machinery, played a significant role in this endeavour. Beyond financial support, they were the logistical backbone, ensuring the safe journey of the vehicle to South America and keeping the team well-equipped throughout the mission.
Frank Haas, Head of Corporate Brand Strategy & Communications at Gebrüder Weiss, said:
“As the oldest transport and logistics company, we are committed to the future of mobility. This success underlines our ongoing support for sustainable mobility projects and innovative technologies. We are delighted for the team and will now bring the record-breaking vehicle safely back to Switzerland.”
The journey kicked off two months ago when Gebrüder Weiss transported the electric truck from Switzerland to Chile, making a stop in Rotterdam to travel via sea freight. The solar truck then journeyed overland to the Atacama region, laying the groundwork for the upcoming ascent.
Commencing at Maricunga Salt Lake, the team started their adventure with smaller exploratory tours, acclimating to the mountain’s elevation at 3,400 meters. The unforgiving terrain and extreme environmental conditions of the world’s highest volcano served as a rigorous test for their high-tech vehicle and pushed team members to their personal limits – both physically and mentally.
Patrik Koller added:
“Despite these extreme conditions, our specially developed vehicle managed to drive higher than any other e-vehicle – let alone a solar-powered one.”
After weeks of relentless effort, the trio of adventurers achieved a major milestone by surpassing the 6,000-meter mark, establishing a groundbreaking record for EVs. Undeterred, they pressed on, and within just a week, reached the staggering altitude of 6,500 meters above sea level, marking an extraordinary feat in altitude conquering.
This accomplishment would be impressive for any EV, but the team pulled it off entirely on pure solar power. But it wasn’t just a choice – it might have been the only feasible way for any EV to navigate the challenges of the highest volcano on Earth. After all, up there, there are no plugs or charging stations – just the power of the sun pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
With the world record secured, the Peak Evolution team has now initiated their return journey to Switzerland. Gebrüder Weiss has taken the reins, ensuring the safe transport of the record-breaking vehicle back to Europe. The partnership continues as they bring their groundbreaking achievement back home.
Gebrüder Weiss isn’t just about breaking records – they’re committed to supporting visionary initiatives that push boundaries. As a testament to this commitment, their site in Maria Lanzendorf near Vienna will host a dress rehearsal for the Austrian Space Forum’s Mars mission in January. Looking ahead, the company has its sights set on trials with an autonomous truck in 2024, demonstrating a dedication to cutting-edge technology. Additionally, a global research team will venture to Greenland, underscoring Gebrüder Weiss’s proactive role in gaining crucial insights into climate change. This logistics powerhouse continues to lead the charge into the future.
