Venturi Antarctica, an electric vehicle for exploration in Antarctica
Venturi Antarctica
The Monegasque company - specialized in the production of electric cars - has unveiled Venturi Antarctica, an electric vehicle that will be engaged in explorations in some of the most inaccessible and inhospitable areas of our planet. In fact, the particular vehicle - equipped with tracks - will have to explore the Pole and, therefore, face the ice of Antarctica. Obviously, Antarctica represents a real breakthrough in this sector as it can be considered the most innovative vehicle for polar exploration ready to go on a mission. His adventure will begin in December 2021, with the Princess Elisabeth Antarctic research station as destination. It should be emphasized that Prince Albert II of Monaco - together with the Foundation linked to him - made this initiative possible.Therefore, the Venturi house was able to design and build the vehicle electric that will be able to carry passengers and equipment needed to conduct scientific research in Antarctica. As usually happens, in order to cross such inaccessible and irregular areas - due to snow and ice - it is necessary to use tracked vehicles. However, Antarctica, in addition to having all the necessary prerequisites to be able to perform its work in the best possible way, is also characterized by a very futuristic design: its lines appear very clean and linear and are enhanced by the orange color of the bodywork. Both the design and the bodywork were born thanks to the designer Sacha Lakic. Obviously, to build the crawler, it was necessary to deal with several "problems". In fact, the well-known designer had to take into account the thermal insulation of the vehicle, but also the size and weight of the battery and the tubular structure.
The aspects listed above are of fundamental importance in order to face - in the safest way possible - an environment as inhospitable as Antarctica. The particular electric vehicle - thanks to the presence of folding seats - can safely carry up to six passengers. Furthermore, Antarctica is able to withstand - and therefore guarantee optimal performance - even at temperatures that reach -70 °. The exploratory tracked vehicle is equipped with two electric motors that can be recharged, not only using electricity, but also with the help of solar energy. In the latter case, the electric vehicle can be recharged - in 24 hours, in Antarctica - by 2 kW. An important energy recovery is also guaranteed by the presence of regenerative brakes. Obviously, the dimensions and weight of the crawler are very impressive.
Indeed, Antarctica has a length of 3.4 meters, a height of 2.18 meters and a weight of 2.5 tons. As for the battery, the latter has a capacity of 52.6 kWh and the two axial flux motors with which the vehicle is equipped are capable of developing 60 kW each. For Antarctica charging, it takes from 2 to 18 hours, which varies according to the context. To ensure greater safety, therefore greater rigidity of the entire structure, the frame was made of tubular steel which derives directly from that usually used on the most innovative rally cars. In addition, there is no shortage of surveillance cameras that serve as an aid to those driving the electric tracked vehicle to identify any obstacles - side and rear - that could be in the maneuvering phase
Venturi unveils world’s first zero emission polar exploration vehicle
Venturi, a Monaco-based manufacturer of electric vehicles, presented their new creation Antarctica this Tuesday: the first zero-emission polar exploration rover. To mark the occasion, the previous prototype, used during an expedition to Canada in 2019, was gifted to Prince Albert II.
As World Environment Day, set for the 5 June, fast approaches, the latest version of the legendary Antarctica was revealed to the Sovereign on the 1 June in Monaco.
Setting eyes on the brand new design was a chance for Prince Albert II to reminisce on his memories from his expedition to Canada. A few years ago, Venturi designed the model that took the Sovereign across 42km of mountain terrain, inhabited by Tahltan people, from Dease Lake to Telegraph Creek.
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In 2009, following his journey to Antarctica, Prince Albert II spoke with Gildo Pastor. During their meeting, he raised concerns with the Venturi President about the scientific research centres not having any non-polluting vehicles.
Soon after, the Prince Albert II Foundation entrusted the Monégasque manufacturer with the task of creating a zero emission vehicle capable of accessing scientific research zones.
Since then, they have designed three versions of the vehicle. The most recent one, presented to the Sovereign this Tuesday, will be up and running by the 7 December. Scientists at the Princess Elisabeth Belgium base, in Antarctica, will be the ones using this new equipment.
Complete with fold-up benches, the new vehicle can seat up to six people and has extra space for equipment, as well as a second battery to keep the rover going for a further 50km.
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“With Venturi Antarctica, scientists… can conduct their research in optimal conditions, without polluting the sites, since ever molecule here affects the quality of analysis,” explains Gildo Pastor. “We are proud to have developped a technology that fulfills the mission the Prince Albert II Foundation gave us.”
