Venturi Astrolab, 2007

Venturi Astrolab, 2007

Astrolab (latin astro = star, labe = to take) Takes energy from the sun, in order to move.

Electro-Solar Hybrid
With 3.6 sqm of photovoltaic cells giving an exceptional yield of 21%, and covered by a film composed of prisms enabling denser concentration of solar energy, Venturi Astrolab is the first high-performance solar vehicle to be commercialized in the world.

Capable of working with very little energy (16 kWc engine) and of recharging even when in motion, this vehicle of another era does not need to be permanently exposed to the sun in order to move. Its last-generation NiMH Venturi NIV-7 batteries - liquid cooled - in fact enable it to restitute stored energy, whether solar or from the electricity supply, making it the first electro-solar hybrid vehicle.

CONSUMPTION = 0, EMISSIONS = 0
This is very first vehicle that consumes no fossile resources in order to work the emissions of CO2 required for its construction will even be compensated for by evironmental actions.

A parallel can be drawn between Venturi Astrolab and a sailboat both advance silently while making best use of the elements provided by Nature. And the piloting of both makes for sensations unlike any other.
To attain this level of performance while using very little energy, Venturi Astrolab has been designed like a Formula 1 its carbon monocoque chassis is ultra-light and serves as an oversized protection cell ensuring the safety of its occupants in the event of a collision. Its profile recalls the aqua-dynamic design of great racing yachts.


A New Era in Terms of Design
Venturi Astrolab also opens up a new era as regards automobile architecture light and highprofiled, it offers the rays of the sun 3.6 sqm of today's most sophisticated photovoltaic cells (for an overall vehicle length under 4 m).

Its designer Sacha Lakic describes Venturi Astrolab as a flying wing set on four wheels.
Optimised to incoporate its solar cells, the Venturi Astrolab's design takes into account the effect of passengers' weight on the vehicle's dynamic behaviour. Very light when empty, the tandem architecture makes for perfect balance, whether the vehicle is occupied by one person or two.

With Astrolab, Venturi has given priority to the solar solution as its energy conversion technology all of its developments allow us to hope for even higher yields in the years to come. Within a 30-year perspective, Venturi is the only automobile manufacturer capable of presenting such a solution while ensuring new driving sensations and an essential aspect of automobiles the dream.