The Dakar Rally is one of the most difficult car races to participate in and poses a great challenge to both car and driver. In the recent 2017 Dakar Rally, the first electric car ever to participate and finish in the race was Acciona's 100% EcoPowered, driven by crewmates Ariel Jaton and Tito Rolon.
As reported by Auto Blog, the car finished in 57th place but electric car enthusiasts celebrate the finish as a resounding victory for all EV cars. Through rain, sand, and mud, the race ran through Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay and one-fourth of the number of participants were unable to finish.
This was the third time that Acciona participated in the Dakar Rally which was considered as the sustainability challenge by the company's research and development team. By finishing the race, Acciona has proven that electric cars can thrive in the roughest road environment using zero-emission powered batteries.
The Acciona is powered exclusively by a 250-kW electric motor that produces 590 pound-feet of torque. It has six battery sections, each capable to be charged independently for shorter mileage and to provide power 150 KWh of energy.
The Acciona team was clearly elated by the victory. "The odyssey is over," said Acciona driver Ariel Jatón. "This year's Dakar was very tough, with some very intense stages complicated by the weather, and the altitude in Bolivia. It was the most grueling race in South America, so we are thrilled to have reached the finish line, particularly in an electric car."
The 100% EcoPowered car is produced by Acciona, a Spanish company that particularly developed this electric car to participate and finish the race and prove that electric cars can perform as good as conventionally powered cars. The car indeed finished the race without emitting a single molecule of carbon dioxide. Acciona now holds the record of producing the first electric car to finish the Dakar Rally.
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