Chile continues to be at the forefront of technology in sustainable mobility with the launch of the first electric bus manufactured in the country to operate in Antarctica.
The unit was developed by Reborn Electric Motors in collaboration with the DAP airline. The vehicle is designed to face extreme conditions, after a successful three-month testing phase.
According to Diario Sustentable, in December 2023, DAP, one of the main airlines operating in Antarctica, partnered with Reborn Electric Motors to test the viability of an electric bus in the Antarctic environment.
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The chosen model, the Queltehue Heavy Duty, manufactured in Chile, was subjected to extreme conditions in order to evaluate its performance in one of the most challenging environments in the world.
Tests Performed
The testing period, which lasted until March 2024, was a success, which led DAP to integrate the bus into its operating fleet in Antarctica, marking a milestone for Chilean engineering and electromobility in environments where energy efficiency and sustainability are key.
The Queltehue Heavy Duty bus is a 24-passenger, all-electric vehicle designed to withstand adverse conditions, such as those found in subway mining and Antarctica.
With a permanent magnet synchronous motor that delivers up to 215 kW of power and a maximum torque of 2430 Nm.
The vehicle has pneumatic brakes, parabolic leaf spring suspension, a telemetry system for predictive maintenance and reclining seats with three-point seat belts.
In addition, the climate control system ensures comfort in both sub-zero temperatures and hot conditions.
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