World record
If successful, the explosive attempt would set a world record for the highest altitude ever reached by any vehicle. Even getting the vehicle to the Ojos del Salado volcano in the Chilean Andes is a serious undertaking, though, and this is where Gebrüder Weiss has been required to apply all of its expertise and innovative thinking.
Gebrüder Weiss Holding AG, based in Lauterach, Austria, is a global full-service logistics provider with about 8,400 employees at 180 company-owned locations. In the last fiscal year (2022), it posted annual sales of 3 billion euros. Its portfolio encompasses transport and logistics solutions, digital services, and supply chain management.
Safe passage
The logistics company recently dispatched the solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) and all the expedition equipment to Chile by sea freight, following 889km of overland transport from Sevelen, Switzerland, to Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Because EVs are classified as hazardous goods, Gebrüder Weiss specialists developed a double container floor that secures the expedition equipment and allows the truck’s battery to be disconnected during the 12,021-km oceanic voyage from Rotterdam to Chile.
While at sea, Gebrüder Weiss will keep track of the precious cargo using state-of-the-art IT systems, ensuring the truck arrives safely at its destination. Logistically, the expedition team will also have to handle extensive documentation that meets the strict safety and customs requirements. After their arrival in Chile, a further 780km of overland transport is required, taking the expedition from the port of San Antonio to the brilliant white salt flats of Salar de Maricunga in the shadow of Ojos del Salado.
"In Gebrüder Weiss, we have gained a partner who shares our vision of sustainable mobility and, as an international transport company, will also be able to benefit from it in practical terms in the future," says Patrik Koller, head of finance and co-developer of the Peak Evolution Team.
Four-year project
The multi-purpose truck was created specifically for the world record attempt by the three Swiss developers who make up the Peak Evolution team – David Pröschel and Patrik and David Koller – over almost four years. Their goal? To prove the adaptability and efficiency of alternative drive technologies by boldly going where no truck has gone before.
The solar-powered multi-purpose vehicle has more traction capacity than an average 40-tonne semi-truck and could be ideal for applications in rough terrain. Equipped with two 380-hp electric motors with an output of 240kW, the truck has an electric range of 200km. This is supported by 42-m2 photovoltaic modules situated on the truck’s roof and as mobile extensions, with 7.4 kWp total output.
"Our vehicle makes it possible to perform even the most demanding transport tasks, whether in mining or when erecting high-altitude solar power plants, in an environmentally compatible and economically efficient manner,” Patrick Koller expands. “The expedition is going to show the commercial viability of the product we developed.”
As the Peak Evolution team’s main sponsor and logistics partner, the company is as enthusiastic about the undertaking in the Chilean Andes as one would expect. "Being the oldest logistics company in the world, we feel committed to helping shape the future of mobility," explains Frank Haas, head of corporate brand strategy and communications at Gebrüder Weiss.
"Due to its limited payload capacity, this solar-powered vehicle cannot yet replace a conventional truck, but it shows a completely new direction in which we will be able to move with alternative drives in the future," he continues.
Pioneer in sustainable business practices
Over the course of over 50 years in business, Gebrüder Weiss has implemented a wide variety of environmental, economic, and social initiatives. It is now considered a pioneer in sustainable business practices and has already sponsored a number of other projects of this kind, including eco-friendly coffee transport from Colombia, electric delivery tricycles in Croatia, and the transportation of an innovative solar car to Australia for the World Solar Challenge starting at the end of October this year.
A documentary film crew led by the award-winning Swiss filmmaker Claudio von Planta will be accompanying the Chilean expedition as they look to write their names in the history books.
