This battery powered vehicle is designed to offer zero-emissions driving in sensitive study areas. Known as the Antarctica project, it was initiated by Prince Albert II of Monaco through his foundation, after he visited Antarctica in 2009. Venturi is better known for its Formula E team and ran a series of global challenges testing electric vehicles in extreme environments.
The vehicle can withstand temperatures as low as -50 degrees Celsius and has Two 60kW (80hp) motors powering its rubber tracks, producing a top speed of 20km/hr (12mph) and a range of 45 km (28 miles). It carries three personnel and there’s some space for luggage.
So it won’t be exploring huge tracts of Antarctica but in sensitive areas, like the Dry Valleys, it will come into its own, and driving for 45 km is a lot easier than hiking in Antarctic conditions. The kind of thinking behind this vehicle is more important than ever.
I like travelling in the old Hägglunds as they are quite fun and warm and they are not getting replaced anytime soon but for specialist applications the Venturi vehicle will be a great addition to the Antarctic vehicle fleet.
Since December 2021, version 3 of the Venturi Antarctica has been based at the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica polar station allowing scientists to carry out their scientific missions on board an eco-responsible vehicle. This is a world first: never before has an electric tracked vehicle driven on the hostile white continent. Hope I get to drive one, one day.
