Like a mutant centipede crawling out of our nightmares, watching this 18-wheeled all-terrain vehicle is sure to make your skin crawl. Developed by the aptly named 18Wheels out of Helsinki, Finland, and simply called"The ATV," this vehicle is claimed to be the world's first 18-wheeledThe company conceived its first prototype in 2021 and finished construction a year later.
Speaking with Ilia Timoshkov, CEO and Co-Founder of 18Wheels, we learned that this first prototype was able to easily scamper over objects that are up to 14 inches tall, and it could climb obstacles that are more than 7.8 inches tall such as curbs, fallen trees, and rocks. Each of the 18 wheels has a built-in, waterproof electric motor.
Wild riding dynamics aside, the Ilia says that the company has taken what has been learned from the original prototype and are ready to begin constructing a second more production-focused prototype later this year. The second-generation ATV will retain the 18-wheel design but swaps the suspension to a more traditional style with coilover shocks providing much of the spring rate and adding damping ability. The vehicle will retain the ability to climb 7.