18 Wheels, a company based in Helsinki, Finland, has introduced a prototype of an electric all-terrain vehicle equipped with 18 wheels.
The first prototype of the 18-wheel all-terrain vehicle undergoing testing. (Video: 18 Wheels)
The unique design allows the 18 Wheels vehicle to swiftly navigate over obstacles up to 20 cm high without a significant reduction in speed. It can climb over logs, rocks, edges, and even stairs, as reported by New Atlas on July 25.
Each wheel of the vehicle is equipped with an electric motor. Thanks to its ingenious suspension system, they function similarly to tank wheels. The new vehicle aims to traverse diverse terrains without damaging the surface it travels over. The 18 wheels significantly reduce the pressure of the vehicle on the ground by distributing weight over a larger area. Meanwhile, the suspension design allows the wheels to fold and roll over obstacles, further minimizing the impact on the terrain.
The shape of the vehicle resembles that of a many-legged centipede.
The vehicle concept was developed in 2021 and constructed in 2022, followed by testing. In the test video, this first prototype successfully navigated large rocky formations, traversed shallow waters, and even crossed fallen logs without difficulty. The vehicle’s shape evokes the image of a many-legged centipede.
The research team is working hard to develop a second prototype with more advanced steering and suspension systems. This modified version aims to address some minor issues revealed during testing, such as the tendency to nosedive when crossing certain obstacles. The first test samples of the second version are being constructed and are expected to enter mass production after the completion of final tests at the end of this summer.
