What looks like a centipede, moves like one, but is a world-first electric vehicle that promises to be, for all intents and purposes, unstoppable? That would be 18Wheels, an ATV that you probably had no idea existed.
The name "might" have tipped you off, but we're saying it either way: 18Wheels is an 18-wheeler, an all-electric all-terrain vehicle that can go over fallen trees and rocks, across sand and gravel, and even waddle its way through shallow waters. It's tough and unstoppable, and as of last month, it's one step closer to reaching production stage.
The company behind it is also called 18Wheels and is comprised of scientists, engineers, and mechanics from all over the world, working out of Helsinki, Finland. The idea for such a vehicle took root in 2021 and was followed by the first working prototype in 2022, with the current plan being to have a pre-production model before the year's end.
That prototype is shown in action in the video below, which went viral last month. It offered the company international exposure for a product that, they believe, will change the way we think of off-road all-terrain vehicles by offering multiple functionality in a rugged, compact, and sustainable package.
Photo: 18Wheels
The main selling point of the ATV is that it can go through or over whatever obstacle comes its way. Because it rolls on 18 wheels, each with independent suspension and in-built motor, it's very stable and remains so whether it's crawling over rocks or going over fallen trees.
It can also move through water, though not on it. 18Wheels has waterproof casings for all 18 motors and the ability to move through water at the same speed as it does on land. This ATV has "significantly better dynamic performance and cross-country ability than any ATV," reads an official description online.
Perhaps the best part is that the 18Wheels ATV is constantly improving.
Photo: 18Wheels
The prototype shown below has metal arms with unidirectional movement that act as suspension springs for the wheels. It's stable as it moves over larger obstacles at a moderate speed, in the sense that it doesn't lose speed and it doesn't tumble. But calling it comfortable for the operator would be a gross exaggeration.
The second prototype, which will be revealed to the public later this year, has a different suspension system, with more complex arms hanging sideways, each with monoshocks for better dampening and increased comfort. It will also bring improved steering. All improvements are the result of six months of real-life and computer testing.
The designers believe that the 18 wheels will allow the ATV to roll as if on treads, including over obstacles as high as 200 mm (7.9 inches). Sure enough, you can do that with any other tracked vehicle as well, but the ATV has the upper hand on those because it can do that "without considerable loss of speed." 18Wheels tells one trade publication that the ATV will be able to top 68 mph (109.5 kph). It's highly unlikely it'll tackle oversize obstacles at this speed, but it is a good point of reference.
Photo: 18Wheels
The other selling point of the 18Wheels ATV is that it's sustainable. Not only is it made from recyclable material, but it moves with minimal disruption to the environment it explores. That's also due to the patented 18-wheel drivetrain, as it distributes weight over a larger surface and allows it to crawl over all surfaces without leaving much of a trace. Plus, it's electric, so there will be no emissions and no noise as it moves.
The current prototype, the 2022 one, looks like a jet ski sitting on a wider metal platform. It has a certain improvised air about it, which is to be expected. The next generation prototype will come with a sleeker silhouette, as the body will be slightly wider and thus stretch over the entirety of the platform. As per the same media outlet, this one will also be able to seat two people, thus offering enhanced functionality.
18Wheels is considering offering two battery options, with a targeted per-charge range of 124 miles (200 km).
Photo: 18Wheels
18Wheels plans to unveil the second prototype in October 2023 but offers the date as a rough estimate subject to change, depending on ongoing tests and developments. The good news is that they're confident enough in the prototype to open a waiting list for test drives – either that, or they're just trying to gauge interest in the machine.
Locations for these test drives, a possible timeline for the start of production, or details like pricing are not available as of the time of writing. It's probably naive to think it will enter the market at an affordable price, assuming it makes that far in the first place. But it's a project worth keeping an eye out for.
An electric 18-wheel all-terrain vehicle that can glide over rocks and tree trunks is being developed in Finland pic.twitter.com/iIDB6RfFKh
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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