Electrifying Santa’s Sleigh

A new electric vehicle (EV) will take to the skies this Christmas Eve. The miniature sleigh of Kris Kringle, LLC (DBA Santa Claus), traditionally pulled by eight tiny reindeer, will be replaced by a battery-powered electrified version developed at an advanced research and development facility called Santa’s Workshop located above the Arctic Circle at the North Pole. 

 

Santa's electrified sleigh. Image created using DALL-E 2 courtesy of Kevin Clemens

 

Simulating the Power of Santa’s Reindeer

The transition from traditional reindeer propulsion to an electric motor required intense research to match the power and efficiency of the legendary reindeer team. The project’s Chief Engineer, Elf Quantum Watts, and his team conducted extensive biomechanical studies to understand the energy output of Santa’s reindeer during peak performance. This data was crucial in calibrating the electric motor to replicate the reindeer's unique power curve and torque characteristics. Advanced algorithms synchronized the motor’s output with the historical data, ensuring the electrified sleigh could seamlessly replicate the familiar, swift movements of the beloved reindeer team. 

The result is the Magic Reindeer Propulsion System, a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, where the spirited energy once provided by the reindeer is now seamlessly mirrored by the cutting-edge electric propulsion system. Chief Engineer Watts noted that finding the right balance required the same suspension of disbelief needed to accept the idea of flying reindeer in the first place. Some call this the “I believe in Santa” approach. 

The Magic Propulsion electric motor drive includes regenerative braking capability that adds as much as 20 percent to the sleigh’s range when fully loaded. High-energy-density lithium-ion batteries, carefully integrated into the sleigh’s structure, provide ample energy to sustain Santa’s global journey without compromising performance. The sleigh uses the Tesla-developed North American Charging System charging plug, allowing Santa to rapidly recharge using Tesla’s worldwide Supercharger network. Microcontrollers, leveraging real-time data analytics, optimize power distribution and efficiency, ensuring seamless navigation through diverse weather conditions.

 

Elf engineers work on one of the early versions of the electrified sleigh. Image created using DALL-E 2 courtesy of Kevin Clemens

 

Designing the Sleigh for Aerodynamics

From studies adapting the Magic Propulsion to one of Santa’s spare sleighs, it was quickly determined that an all-new design would be required to meet the performance goals. Watts and his team redesigned the sleigh using CFD (computational fluid dynamics) to minimize aerodynamic drag for the vehicle’s carbon fiber monocoque. They chose titanium runners for their light weight and ability to provide the necessary grip on snowy rooftops.

At first, the aerodynamic shape was resisted by those on the team who wanted to retain the original sleigh’s iconic appearance. Still, improved performance and optimized range eventually won out, although the sleigh does keep some of the original’s design elements. 

 

High-Tech Navigation and Sleigh Driver Assist

Previously, Santa’s sleigh used an extremely bright bioluminescent beacon at the front of the sleigh to assist navigation, particularly during inclement weather. For the new sleigh, the elves created a comprehensive navigation system called Red Nose Navigation using laser radar (LiDAR), cameras, and radar, along with GPS, to keep Santa on course during the big night. Although the vehicle has not yet achieved fully autonomous operation, the Red Nose system is getting close to that goal. 

A sophisticated touch-panel interface embedded within the sleigh allows Santa to monitor energy consumption and weather conditions and even optimize gift delivery routes on the fly. A supercomputer complex located at the North Pole provides real-time naughty or nice updates to the sleigh via Starlink to allow Santa to bypass a house if a child has engaged in any last-minute shouting, pouting, or crying.

 

Why the Change to Electrification?

When asked why an electrified sleigh was needed, Santa, who claims to be “as old as my tongue and slightly older than my teeth” (but according to records, is 1,753 years old), pointed to the aging of his reindeer, the dramatic increase in the number of presents that need to be delivered, and a new appreciation for the effects his animal herd is having on climate change. 

“My guys are getting old—there is no way around it,” said Santa. “I’d still put them up against any flying reindeer team, but Dasher, Prancer, even Rudolf are getting up in years and it's harder and harder for them to get off the ground, especially carrying so many big screen TVs and electronic equipment that today’s kids want for Christmas.” 

Living in the Arctic has also made Santa Claus more aware of the effects of a warming planet on the North Pole. To produce the power needed to fly, Santa’s reindeer must be fed a concentrated diet that makes 11.2 grams of methane gas (CH₄) daily. On their normal diet of lichens, a reindeer’s average daily methane emission is just 7.5 grams per day. Methane has an atmospheric warming power of 80 times greater than carbon dioxide, and during Santa’s Christmas Eve ride, his reindeer’s methane emissions are injected directly into the stratosphere. 

Santa’s Workshop claims the new sleigh is effectively zero-emission when recharged with renewable energy sources. It is unknown how the North Pole facility generates its electricity, but its proximity to Iceland and its volcanic activity makes geothermal energy a likely power source. 

 

Inspiring Other Holiday Applications

Although the price tag for Santa’s one-off sleigh has not been disclosed, there is some discussion of limited production in the future. The Easter Bunny has expressed an interest in a similarly capable vehicle. The Tooth Fairy might also need the ability to rapidly travel around the world with zero emissions. 

Meanwhile, as Santa prepares for his first electrified Christmas Eve, we at EEPower wish you and your family Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!