The Gebrüder Weiss Peak Evolution Team has accomplished a groundbreaking feat, setting a new world altitude record for electric vehicles at a staggering 6,500 meters above sea level. Scaling the western ridge of Ojos del Salado, the highest active volcano on the planet, their solar-powered truck achieved an unprecedented milestone, marking the first time an electric vehicle has ventured to such heights. Patrik Koller, CEO and developer at Peak Evolution, hailed this achievement as a testament to years of dedicated research and a pivotal moment for the future of transportation.
Logistics partner and primary sponsor, Gebrüder Weiss, played a crucial role throughout this endeavor. Besides ensuring the safe transport of the vehicle to South America, the company co-financed this innovative venture. “As the oldest transport and logistics company, we are committed to shaping the future of mobility,” remarked Frank Haas, Head of Corporate Brand Strategy & Communications at Gebrüder Weiss. “This success underscores our steadfast support for sustainable mobility initiatives and groundbreaking technologies. We’re thrilled for the team’s accomplishment and are dedicated to safely returning the record-setting vehicle to Switzerland.”
This remarkable journey commenced two months ago when Gebrüder Weiss facilitated the transportation of the e-truck from Switzerland, traveling through Rotterdam and via sea freight to Chile. The solar-powered truck was then transported overland to the Atacama region. Beginning their expedition at the Maricunga salt lake, the Peak Evolution team conducted exploratory tours and acclimatization exercises at an elevation of 3,400 meters. Confronting the extreme terrains and environmental challenges of the world’s highest volcano, both the cutting-edge vehicle and the team faced rigorous physical and mental trials.
“Despite these extreme conditions, our specially designed vehicle defied all odds, ascending higher than any other electric vehicle, especially one powered solely by solar energy,” emphasized Patrik Koller, CEO and developer at Peak Evolution, summarizing their triumph. “For four years, we’ve prepared for this moment, and giving up was never an option.” In late November, the team achieved their initial milestone by surpassing the 6,000-meter mark, breaking the record for electric vehicles. A week later, they reached the pinnacle of their mission at 6,500 meters above sea level, conquering the western ridge of Ojos del Salado, the tallest volcano on Earth, powered entirely by solar energy. With the world record secured, the Peak Evolution team, supported by Gebrüder Weiss, embarks on their return journey to Switzerland.
Gebrüder Weiss remains committed to backing forward-thinking projects. In January, the company will host a rehearsal of the Austrian Space Forum’s Mars mission at its site in Maria Lanzendorf near Vienna. Additionally, plans are underway to test an autonomous truck next year and to dispatch an international research team to Greenland, aimed at gathering crucial insights into climate change.
