The Gebrüder Weiss Peak Evolution Team has successfully established a new world record for e-vehicles altitude, reaching over 21,000 feet (6,500 meters) above sea level. This remarkable feat was accomplished by driving a solar-powered truck to the western ridge of Ojos del Salado, the highest active volcano on earth.
The journey, which began two months ago, involved transporting the e-truck from Switzerland to Chile via Rotterdam and then by sea freight. The logistics partner and main sponsor, Gebrüder Weiss, not only facilitated the safe transportation of the vehicle to South America but also co-financed this innovative venture. Frank Haas, Head of Corporate Brand Strategy & Communications at Gebrüder Weiss, expressed the company’s commitment to the future of mobility, emphasizing their ongoing support for sustainable projects and innovative technologies.
Patrik Koller, CEO, and developer at Peak Evolution, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “This is a record not only for this technology, but for our years of research work and for the very future of mobility.” The success of this mission is expected to draw attention to the potential of alternative drives, particularly in demanding sectors such as mining and other challenging transport tasks.
The challenging expedition put both the high-tech vehicle and the Peak Evolution team to the test, navigating extreme terrain and environmental conditions. Despite these challenges, the solar-powered vehicle not only surpassed the 19,685 feet (6,000 meters) barrier at the end of November but also reached an unprecedented height of 21,325 feet (6,500 meters) above sea level one week later.
Reflecting on the four years of preparation leading up to this moment, Patrik Koller emphasized the team’s determination, stating, “We have been training for this moment for four years, so giving up was never an option.” The successful mission demonstrates the potential of solar-powered vehicles in extreme conditions and the resilience of the Peak Evolution team.
As the record-breaking vehicle makes its way back to Switzerland, Gebrüder Weiss remains committed to supporting pioneering projects. In January, the company will host a dress rehearsal of the Austrian Space Forum’s Mars mission at its site in Maria Lanzendorf near Vienna. Additionally, Gebrüder Weiss plans to test an autonomous truck next year and will send an international research team to Greenland to gain insights into climate change.
This achievement marks a significant milestone not only for the Gebrüder Weiss Peak Evolution Team but also for the advancement of alternative drive technologies on a global scale.