While most of the vehicles are usually getting a tune-up to boost performance or range, the first and only electric vehicle in Antarctica is getting its first major upgrade due to climate change conditioner on the continent. 

(Photo : VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
A picture taken in Monaco on November 30, 2018 shows the VENTURI Antarctica, the first vehicle electric polaire exploration, during its presentation.

Upgrading Venturi Antarctica

The teams from the Belgian Princess Elisabeth Antarctica research station utilized the Venturi Antarctica to get around the continent since December 2021, as it allowed the group of researchers to help them work while minimizing the impact on the local ecosystem.

But it also needed some modifications for 2023. Previously, the machine was designed to operate in winter temperatures of -58F, Ars Technica reported that the current temperatures are too high for its original built with 14F.

Because of this, Venturi Antarctica received its major upgrade due to warmer conditions on the continent by adding three modifications to improve its performance. 

Engadget reported that a new ventilation system and air intake were added to prevent overheating while in use. The wheels are also redesigned to maximize the capabilities of the electric explorer. Additionally, the engineers replaced the sprockets to prevent the building of compacted snow, resulting in a potential performance issue.

This is important, especially since spongey snow hardens on tracks that generate vibrations. The R&D department of Venturi swapped them out with new equipment that is less snow prone. 

While the vehicle covered 500 kilometers in the first summer of its operations at the research station, Venturi Antarctice is currently being used by the group of researchers for transportation of no more than 40 kilometers as the consistency of the snow impacted the vehicle on the range. 

Also read: Scientists Recover Five New Meteorites in the Icy Desert of Antarctica

First and Only EV in Antarctica

Venturi Automobiles President Gildo Pastor stated that H.S.H. Prince Albert I of Monaco asked him to design an electric vehicle specifically for polar exploration. "Version after version, we made progress until this Antarctica III entered service. I am delighted that Venturi Antarctica is meeting the needs of the International Polar Foundation and the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica research station."

This year, the Venturi Antarctica enters its second full year of operations since its official release. The vehicle arrived at the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica Research Station in December 2021. The vehicle became the first and only electric vehicle on the continent that could work in cold temperatures.

With the help of the vehicle, PCMag reported that the station completed dozens of studies since it opened in 2007. Princess Elisabeth Antarctica Research Station studies the effects of climate change, marine diversity, polar ice shelves, and more. 

Belgian Antarctic Research Expeditions Head and International Polar Found Founder Alain Hubert stated that the vehicle is the perfect fit for the zero-emission concept of the station. 

"It's an important advantage for the scientists and the team working at the station. This vehicle can be used for field missions while being recharged by the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica station's renewable energy sources," he added.

Related Article: Antarctica Researchers Attach Sensors to Seals to Study Continental Ice Shelves