VW and battery makers LG have claimed a new Guinness world record altitude run for an electric car after driving a Volkswagen ID.4 GTX up a Bolivian volcano to a height of 5,816 metres.
The Challenge 4 team led by Rainer Zietlow drove up the dormant Uturuncu volcano in Bolivia in an ID.4 GTX was powered by LG Energy Solutions’ battery cells and modules that employ high energy density for long-distance driving, high-speed charging, and, vitally, high-altitude drives.
LG Energy Solution said the new milestone adds to the longest EV journey achieved in 2021, also with an LG battery.
“Our goal was to show everyone the potential of electromobility by demonstrating how electric vehicles maintain their top level of performance even at extreme altitudes,” said Zietlow.
The record was set on May 18, with the official Guinness World Record certificate being awarded on Monday.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.