Venturi Antarctica – Let’s Conquer The Poles With Electricity

by AutoExpert   |  18 June, 2021

Share :

Let us tell you a beautiful story. Once upon a time, back in 2009, Prince Albert II of Monaco returned from an exhibition to the Antarctic and asked to see Gildo Pastor, the president of Venturi - a high-performance electric cars’ maker in Monaco. The Prince and the carmaker president talked about developing a zero-emissions solution that would serve the scientific research stations. After a productive handshake, Venturi got to work.

The first prototype was presented at the Paris Motor Show in 2010. Ten years later, Venturi shows off Antarctica 2021 – the first electric polar expedition vehicle. This isn’t the first time Venturi uses the word “first”. Venturi Formula E race team, Venturi VBB-3 electric vehicle to reach 341 mph, and Voxan Watman – the electric motorcycle. All these projects helped build up an experience that contributed to the creation of Antarctica 2021.

The electric vehicle may seem compact at the first sight – 7.2 feet high, 6.6 feet wide, and 11.4 feet long – but it reaches the weight of 5.500 pounds. Antarctica is special due to many reasons, and one of them is its electric drivetrain that has been developed to function at temperatures of up to -76 degrees. Yes, it was pretty challenging to make the electric systems and batteries function properly at these temperatures but preserving the optimal heat solved it. 

The battery powering Antarctica has a capacity of 52.6 kWh and two 60 kW engines – one engine per track. Ventura Antarctica is underpinned on a tubular steel chassis, with the body made out of carbon fiber. 

Another curious fact about this vehicle is that the body got glued together with an almost impossible adhesive that can handle incredibly low temperatures, and then attached to the frame. There aren’t any weld points on the chassis-covering panels, which provides better account for expansion and shrinking rates caused by the cold temperatures.

Venturi has double-gazed windows, with one full centimeter between the layers. Many insulating materials have been used around the vehicle, like aerogel – a composite developed by NASA, fiberglass, or polyurethane. 

The suspension is completely bespoke and comprises a multi-link configuration with two shock absorbers and springs that enable better contact and traction. The natural rubber tracks are signed by Camso – an entity owned by Michelin. 


As for the interior, the cabin fits two pilots who control Venturia with the help of a central joystick. The benches can fold and fit up to four people or provide more loading space. Antarctica even has cruise control, cameras, and indicator lights. 

The vehicle is in the testing phase now and we’re sure the drivers are really enjoying it!

Recomended:

Old-School Cool: The Eco-Friendly Side of Classic Car Enthusiasm - Photo
Tips & Tricks
Old-School Cool: The Eco-Friendly Side of Classic Car Enthusiasm

Okay, honestly, this whole "gas cars are evil, we all need electrics" thing is driving me a little nuts. Don't get me wrong, I care about the environment, but some of us old-car lovers a

AutoExpert
Surviving Easter Traffic: Outsmart the Jams! - Photo
Tips & Tricks
Surviving Easter Traffic: Outsmart the Jams!

Okay, Easter traffic is the WORST. They're predicting a gazillion cars on the road this year, which means those usual bottlenecks are gonna be total nightmares. But listen, we don't have to ju

AutoExpert
Self-Driving Vans Transform Lives in Grand Rapids, MN - Photo
Others
Self-Driving Vans Transform Lives in Grand Rapids, MN

You know, those self-driving cars everyone's talking about? They could be a total game-changer for people with disabilities, especially folks like Myrna in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Myrna has quadr

AutoExpert
Kia K4 Hatchback To Hit US Roads Later This Year - Photo
Car News
Kia K4 Hatchback To Hit US Roads Later This Year

What a shocking development! The K4 hatchback will soon be available in the US. According to Kia's statement to Motor1, the US market will get it at a later date.As you already noticed, the Ki

AutoExpert
Upgrade Your Adventures With The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz - Photo
Car News
Upgrade Your Adventures With The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2025 Santa Cruz is a little more rugged than its predecessor, according to the latest news from the New York International Auto Show. “More vertical lines and redesigned headlamps bookend a

AutoExpert
The New Genesis Neolun Is A Concept SUV Inspired By Korea's Iconic Porcelain Jars - Photo
Concept
The New Genesis Neolun Is A Concept SUV Inspired By Korea's Iconic Porcelain Jars

A brand-new concept SUV from Genesis appears to be in the works. At the New York Auto Show this year, the Neolun will have its premiere. Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke adds that the N

AutoExpert
The 2024 Geparda Is A Hatchback That Makes Driving Dreams Come True, Even For Teens - Photo
Car News
The 2024 Geparda Is A Hatchback That Makes Driving Dreams Come True, Even For Teens

If you're under 18 but still want to drive badly, this unusual hatchback is for you. The name is Geparda, and it is even better than your regular Volkswagen up! After installing

AutoExpert
Say Goodbye To i30 N: Hyundai Updates Standard i30 Instead - Photo
Car News
Say Goodbye To i30 N: Hyundai Updates Standard i30 Instead

Sadly, Hyundai discontinued the i30 N and its sibling, the i20 N, a few weeks ago to redirect performance resources to electric vehicles. However, Hyundai has somewhat updated the standard i30.The

AutoExpert
Dealer Markups Soar: Shocking Price Hikes on Popular Cars - Photo
Others
Dealer Markups Soar: Shocking Price Hikes on Popular Cars

This whole markup thing has gotten straight-up ridiculous. It's like car dealers think we're all made of money! And the worst part? They're adding these insane markups to some of the newes

AutoExpert
Bridge Collapse in Baltimore: Automotive Industry in Disarray - Photo
Others
Bridge Collapse in Baltimore: Automotive Industry in Disarray

This Baltimore bridge collapse is a HUGE deal for the car industry. Basically, imagine a massive traffic jam at the port with literally thousands of new cars stuck, and you get the idea.Tons of ca

AutoExpert