The World Advanced Vehicle Expedition (WAVE) the World’s biggest electric vehicle is set to be bigger than ever in 2018. In its eight year it will travel through two different countries at separate times – Switzerland (8th to the 16th of June) and Austria (21st to the 29th of September).
Hundreds of EV enthusiasts from many countries will travel 1,600 kilometres over eight days through mountain passes and the most spectacular sights of the Alps. As well as an adventurous holiday the WAVE Trophy participants will visit interesting towns, green companies and schools.
The WAVE Trophy also has a serious goal of raising awareness of green transport and promoting sustainable living. In addition it is an opportunity for participants to enhance their knowledge about electric vehicles, to network and socialise. Phoenix Contact, one of the top suppliers of electric vehicles charging systems, is the main sponsor of the Wave Trophy this year.
The Wave Trophy brings together conventional and wacky EVs from many countries. One of the high points will be WAVE Switzerland’s stop at the first Formula E race in Zurich, Switzerland on 10 June 2018. The WAVE theme for 2018 is is “Green Future Tour”, which means that the Rally will stop at many companies focused on sustainable transport solutions. On these the EV teams will get a unique insight to how these companies working there plans for the green future. Both WAVEs run for approximately 1,600 km, each lasting eight days and the routes go through the most dramatic and breathtaking scenery of the two Alpine countries.
The WAVE is open to anyone who wants to experience an adventure among like-minded people with their EV. As well as electric cars there are electric motorcycles and electric pedal bikes aka pedelec. The Rally teams are less concerned about winning than being at the event and making EV friends. Instead of timing, there are various tests of skill, treasure hunts and quizzes. The participants are a mixture of private teams and well-known companies as well as universities and journalists. Despite the diversity of participants and vehicles, all still have a common goal: to show that e-mobility is a clean and suitable for everyday use of mobility. And have fun!
WAVE Switzerland will run from 8th to the 16th of June and will travel through all four language regions of Switzerland starting in Winterthur. It will stop at the Formula E race in Zurich. WAVE Austria will run from 21st to the 29th of September and will start in Wangen im Allgäu (Germany) and finish in Werfenweng near Salzburg. The highest point will be the Grossglockner Pass (2504m).
Speaking about the partnership with Phoenix Contact organiser and WAVE Trophy director Louis Palmer said “Phoenix Contact has been a loyal supporter of our electric vehicle rally from 2013. Since then they have been regular participants with teams drawn from staff members and company trainees.”
Phoenix Contact is headquartered in Blomberg, Lippe, Germany focusing on charging plug systems and charging controls for DC and AC. “It was obvious to us to be the main sponsor,” says Oliver Stöckl, Managing Director of Phoenix Contact E-Mobility GmbH. “With this commitment, we want to demonstrate and communicate that electromobility is sustainable.”
At this early stage there are 110 teams interested the Swiss WAVE and 50 teams interested in the Austrian WAVE. As a result there are only a few places available. Registration deadline for WAVE Switzerland is 15 March 2018 and for WAVE Austria on 30 June 2018.
[source: Wave Trophy]
