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Venturi Astrolab
by Ross Bonander, Contributing Writer
Type: Electro-solar hybrid vehicle
Class: Heavy quadricycle
Manufacturer: Venturi Automobiles
The Manufacturer Says...
“Astrolab is the first high-performance solar vehicle to be commercialized in the world.”
The Critics Say...
“Within a 30-year perspective, Venturi is the only automobile manufacturer capable of presenting a [solar] solution while ensuring new driving sensations and an essential aspect of automobiles: the dream.” —auto-power-girl.com
Overview
French car maker Venturi’s 2-seater tandem vehicle relies on photovoltaic cells coated by a film of nano-prisms to concentrate solar energy to recharge its NiMH batteries. Delivery has been set for early 2008.
What We Like
• The chassis. The Astrolab’s ultra-light carbon monocoque chassis will no doubt provide a level of occupant safety.
• The PV cells. They’re giving a 21% yield—sure, that’s awfully inefficient, but compared to other commercial solar cars—all none of them—it’s the best in the business. The only concern might be the speed at which photovoltaic technology is advancing; whether the vehicle’s cells are upgradeable is unknown but this seems unlikely.
What We Don’t Like
• The price. We’ve seen published figures at around $117,000. That’s probably a good price for the technology, but it’s also another example of a vehicle priced beyond the average consumer that nonetheless offers little in the way of practical value.
• The cockpit. Man, that looks cramped. If you get stuck in rush hour traffic, does thrombosis become a concern?
• The design. Described by its designer Sachs Lakic as a “Flying wing set on four wheels” it has been designed very much like a Formula 1. The end result is more like the most intimidating soap box in the whole derby.
Astrolab Specifications
Propulsion system:16 kWc motor
Top Speed: 120 km/h (75 mph)
Zero-to-60: NA
MPG: NA
Vehicle range: : On batteries 100 km (68 miles)
Fuel(s):
Battery system: NIV-7 Pack (Hydride metal Nickel) 72V 100 Ah (full recharge, 5 hours with onboard charger).
Solar: 3.6 sqm (11.8 sqf) of photovoltaic cells, yielding 21%; 600 W contributes about 18 km (11 miles) per day.
Tailpipe emissions: None
Conclusion
We’re still trying to make sense of this vehicle. Venturi has hinted at its value as a commuter car, but with a 68 mile range they have little other choice. Lacking much in the way of practical features, the final analysis of the Astrolab is obvious—its technology is the thing. It’s a fantastic advancement in the way of solar vehicles and we hope it opens the door to further research in this area.
More information on the Venturi Astrolab at:
Venturi.fr
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