SWITZERLAND TO CHILE
In Switzerland, a collaborative team plans the ultimate challenge of summitting a solar-powered truck on Ojos del Salado, the highest active volcano on the planet. Ojos del Salado straddles the border of Argentina and Chile, and has an elevation of 22,615 feet.
“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’ll be able to move with alternative drives in the future,” says Frank Haas, head of Corporate Brand Strategy & Communications at Gebrüder Weiss. “Being the oldest logistics company in the world, we feel committed to helping shape the future of mobility.”
The solar-powered, multipurpose truck has more traction capacity than an average 40-ton semi and can be used especially in rough terrain. The truck is equipped with two electric motors and has a 124.3-mile range with a 240kW output. For almost four years, three Swiss developers of the Peak Evolution Team have been working on putting the truck into practice. By embarking on an expedition to a place no vehicle has ever reached, they hope to prove the efficiency of alternative drive technologies.
“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,” says Patrik Koller, head of Finance and co-developer of the Peak Evolution Team.
For more, visit www.gw-world.com.
URUMQI, CHINA
With a strong commitment to sustainable strategy for green, low carbon, intelligent infrastructure, XCMG Machinery is leading the R&D and application of new energy equipment in construction projects. XCMG has delivered more than 350 units of methanol-powered XKT136 mining trucks to mines in Xinjiang, China.
Methanol has a high octane rating, but has a low-emissions count—reducing hydrocarbon emissions by 40%. The XKT136 can save more than 35% in energy consumption compared to equivalent diesel-fueled vehicles. The truck features a dual-motor extended range power generation module and a dual-motor drive systems, allowing it to achieve around-the-clock operations. It’s equipped with the industry’s largest methanol tank with a 1,200 L capacity and an efficient energy recovery system to maximize cruising range.
In the face of tremendous changes and challenges of the industry, XCMG strives to meet new demands in the new era of green technology and product innovations.
Find out more at www.xcmg.com.
