Launched at the Mondial de l’Automobile in 2006 and making optimum use of natural energy sources, the Astrolab is the first vehicle that consumes no fossil resources.
The original Venturi Astrolab uses a 16 kW (21 hp; 22 PS) electric motor in place of the internal combustion engine fitted to most cars. This electric motor also had a claimed maximum torque output of 36.8 lb⋅ft (5 kg⋅m; 50 N⋅m), delivered instantly. The top speed of the Venturi Astrolab 74.5 mph (120 km/h).
With its bodywork composed of 3.6 m2 (39 sq ft) of high efficiency (21%) solar cells, the Astrolab is a unique concept of zero emission vehicle; it was unveiled at the Mondial de l’Automobile in 2006. The average daily intake of the solar cells enables a range of 11 mi (18 km). If greater range is required, the onboard batteries extend this to 62 mi (100 km).
It is the first vehicle not to consume any fossil resources for propulsion, and the carbon dioxide released during its construction was compensated for by environmental initiatives.
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