Largest electric vehicle in the world unveiled at Swiss quarry
The biggest electric vehicle in the world was unveiled on Friday in the quarry of Vigier cement works near the Swiss town of Bienne. It is expected to save record amounts of CO2 emissions.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SDA-ATS/jc
Vigier CEO Lukas Epple said the vehicle, designed in collaboration with specialized technical schools and industrial partners, was the product of “pioneering spirit”.
The E-Dumper named “Lynx” weighs 58 tonnes empty, with tyres measuring two metres in diameter and nine steps up to the drivers’ cabin. It was built from a diesel-powered dump truck. The fuel tank was replaced by the biggest battery ever made for an electric vehicle, which weighs 4.5 tonnes.
As well as its enormous size, the truck is expected to save enormous amounts of CO2. Carrying an estimated 300,000 tonnes of material, provisional estimates say it should save up to 1,300 tonnes of CO2 and 500,000 litres of diesel fuel over the next decade.
“Lynx” was designed to carry limestone and sedimentary rock from a mining region at altitude to a processing plant lower down. During the descent with a full load, the battery is recharged by converting the energy from braking. The electricity produced allows the driver to climb back up the hill with the truck empty.
Its designers therefore say its energy consumption is zero. A study of its operations in the coming months will allow a more precise evaluation in terms of energy. The project is supported by the Swiss Federal Office of EnergyExternal link.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
Car importer’s association calls for four-fold increase in electric vehicles
This content was published on
Auto-Suisse has set an “ambitious” goal for the number of new electric or rechargeable hybrid vehicles on Swiss roads by 2020.
This content was published on
A study shows that despite their love of cars, the Swiss are open the idea of replacing private motor vehicles with other mobility options.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.