A machine built for South Pole conditions faces another engineering challenge: climate change.
, scientists based at the Belgian Princess Elizabeth research station have driven the Antarctica EV over 500 kilometers in just one summer of use. The vehicle has a range of 50 kilometers , with space for a second battery if the scientists need more range. However, its range can vary depending on how compact the snow it has to drive on is, and scientists started noticing some problems.
As climate change has affected global temperatures, Antarctica has warmed. Average temperatures on the icy continent have risen from a frigid -50 degrees Celsius to around minus 10 C , and the vehicle, designed for the extra cold, needed tweaks to tolerate the relative warmth. Venturi instructed researchers to limit trips to 40 kilometers , and is beginning work on modifications to restore the vehicle to its true glory.
Since Antarctica is covered almost entirely in snow, the Antarctica EV uses a continuous track system, just like you’d expect on a snowcat or a snowmobile. The treads5,500 pounds of vehicle over its entire surface area, preventing the Antarctica EV from sinking into the snow like a wheeled vehicle would. But the warmer temperatures have caused the snow to stick to the sprockets that drive the treads, creating unwanted vibrations that could further damage the vehicle.
Increasing temperatures also made it more likely for the cabin, which is packed with electronics and exposed to the sun, to overheat. To balance that out, Venturi has had to install a new ventilation system for a more comfortable riding experience. They also made a new cooling system for the power electronic systems themselves.
Venturi announced on January 24 that their next set of improvements will be focused on redesigning the treads and increasing the vehicle’s range in Antarctica. Barring any other unforeseen circumstances, these should allow the vehicle to putter around the ice and snow of the southern continent more and more in the years to come.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
GOP renews push to arm federal judges amid rising threats of violenceHouse Republicans have put forward a bill aimed at making it easier for federal judges to arm themselves as they enter and exit courthouses as violent threats continue.
Read more »
Snow? What Snow? The World’s Top Ski Resorts Are Melting Away Because of the Climate CrisisHere's how rising temperatures around the world will affect your future ski holidays.
Read more »
New brewery plans opening in Pa.Rising River Brewing Lakeside is planning to open.
Read more »
Amid Food Inflation, More Shoppers Turn to Dollar Stores for GroceriesRising food costs are pushing consumers to get more creative about where they go for groceries.
Read more »
Auto loan delinquencies are rising. Here's what to do if you're struggling with paymentsIf you are falling behind on auto loan payments, experts say there are some things you can do to prevent the problem from snowballing.
Read more »
UN: Israel expanding firearms licenses would fuel violenceThe warning came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last week that more Israelis will be permitted firearms licenses amid rising tensions in Palestinian territories.
Read more »