Solar Voyager; 3D printed electric vehicle going to Antarctica

Clean2Antarctica is a Dutch association whose aim is to promote the circular economy and to encourage organisations and individuals to develop sustainable alternatives to our current way of life. To do this, the team has gone on an expedition to the South Pole in Antarctica. Aboard the Solar Voyager is an electric vehicle made of 3D printed parts made from recycled plastic. It should be fully powered by solar energy and leaft at the end of November.

Founded by the couple Edwin and Liesbeth ter Velde, the Clean2Antarctica association supports a zero waste lifestyle. Which entirely consistent of 3D printing technologies that aim to produce less waste because they only use the material they need. In addition, additive manufacturing today allows to use more environmentally friendly materials. Some filaments are derived from recycled plastic waste. We can here also look to the ProtoCycler machine that offers value to these used plastics by transforming them into 3D printing filaments.

Edwin and Liesbeth chose to go to Antarctica for several reasons, they explain: “Antarctica contains 90% of the world’s ice and belongs to no one. It is zero waste by law, making it the perfect destination for a zero waste adventure. We can learn from Antarctica and make sure it stays that way. We also want to raise awareness for the Antarctic treaty. If not extended in 2048, the continent will be opened for commercial exploitation.“