The Chariot is a solar-powered electric All Terrain Vehicle, used by the Colonists of the Alpha Centauri Colonist Program. These ATVs are designed to operate in all manner of environments, and every non-transport Jupiter comes with one as standard in the Garage.
Technology[]
The Chariot is a very advanced vehicle designed to help the Colonist navigate any number of difficult driving conditions, as such it has many advanced system, such as:
- Winter Mode: This mode allows colonists to navigate though heavy snow drifts, and other very cold environments.
- Terrain Mapping: The Chariot can map the solid bedrock of the terrain ahead to give the driver a safe and stable route through virtually any environment.
- Vacuum Seals and Life Support: The Chariot has vacuum-sealed doors, allowing it to stay pressurized even in the vacuum of space. It also has rudimentary life support systems to keep occupants comfortable in non-extreme environments.
- Solar Panels: The Chariot is equipped with solar panels along its roof to allow charging while in operation. This enables to to travel much further than a conventional electric vehicle before exhausting its battery.
- Towbar: Because the Chariot was designed for transport of Colonists and heavy cargo, it has a towbar with electrical hookups to allow for synchronization between the wheels of a towed trailer and the Chariot itself.
- Faraday Cage: The Chariot naturally acted as a Faraday Cage, directing electricity and harmful electromagnetic radiation around the cabin, shielding the occupants.
Known Uses[]
The Chariot was used extensively on the Unknown Planet by the Colonists stranded there after the First Attack, and was adept at navigating all environments it came into contact with, including but not limited to:
- Heavy Snow Drift
- Fine Particulate
- Sand Dunes
- Forest Floors
- Flat Plains
It did present a weakness when the Chariot 2 was caught in a tar pit, in which the Chariot was irreversibly damaged and lost to the tar.
The Chariot was presumably also used extensively on the Amber Planet, up until they were infected with the Rust Virus, which seriously damaged many of them, and put the other out of commission. The Chariot was also used as a Faraday Cage on the Methane Planet, and was used to charge the batteries of the Jupiter 2, allowing it to take off.
Chariots In Practical Use[]
In the 2018 Netflix edition of Lost In Space, there are multiple different chariots seen being used for various different purposes throughout the show. The list of the different chariots that were able to be positively identified is noted below. Note that there are different classifications of Chariots that all vary slightly in functionality and drivability.
Jupiter Series[]
The Jupiter Class Chariots are the most commonplace type of Chariot in the entire show. Each Jupiter spacecraft comes equipped with its own Chariot, which is stowed for later use in the Jupiter's garage. The Chariot's paint color depends upon it's parent Jupiter's color scheme, as does its side labelling as well. For example, a Chariot belonging to the Jupiter 2 would be labelled "J2" on the side. A Chariot belonging to Jupiter 44 would be labelled "J44" and so on and so forth. Below is a list of visually confirmed Jupiter Class Chariots found in the show:
- Chariot 2
- Chariot 5
- Chariot 7
- Chariot 9
- Chariot 11
- Chariot 13
- Chariot 19
- Chariot 20
- Chariot 26
- Chariot 41
- Chariot 44
- Chariot 72
- Chariot 79
Trailer Series[]
The Trailer Class Chariots are less well-known and are not necessarily their own vehicles. Rather, they are an extension of a regular-use Chariots, in which they provide a method of storing physical items as well as liquids such as fuel. These trailers attach to the rear of Chariots, and are relatively versatile, though can impede rapid movement of a Chariot under certain circumstances, such as being overweight. The number associated with the Trailer in question is exactly the same as the Chariot number and Jupiter number that it originated from. Below is a list of all Trailer Class vehicles that were positively identified:
- Trailer 4
- Trailer 11
- Trailer 41
- Trailer 44
Medical Class[]
Only one, non-numerically based Medical Chariot has been seen in the show, and that was in S3E7. This Chariot is a modified version of the Jupiter Chariot. It still has a driver's seat and front passenger seat, and drives in exactly the same way as a regular Chariot, but the the two back seats have been substituted for a large medical bed and medical equipment. It is, in essence, a Chariot ambulance of sorts. Medical Class Chariots are relatively recognizable, as medical class chariots bear a different label on the exterior. In contrast to the Jupiter Class naming scheme of the letter J followed by the Jupiter spacecraft number (i.e. J44), Medical Class Chariots display a capitalized "M" on the exterior.
Transport Class[]
Now, bearing in mind this concept of Jupiter based Chariots, it would make sense for one to assume that the same structure exists for Transport Class Jupiters. But it doesn't. Transport Class Chariots are nonexistent. Chariots require garage storage in a Jupiter craft to function. Since the Transport Series has substituted the garage area for a passenger seats, there is now room for a Chariot to be stowed and is therefore pointless.
Behind the Scenes Photography[]
During filming of Lost in Space, the Chariot went through several design tweaks which were captured on camera:
Sat February 25, 2017[]
First Look at Chariot Design with Orange Detailing
The first photograph taken of the new Chariot Design with Orange Detailing. Photo from a roadside in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Wed May 10, 2017[]
First Look at Chariot Design with Attached Trailer
The first photograph taken of the new Chariot Design with Blue-Grey Detailing, and the attachable trailer. Photo from the Aldergrove Filming Location in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Wed May 31, 2017[]
Various photographs of Chariots taken while on a transport in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Mon June 12, 2017[]
Final Orange-Detailed Design of the Chariot 2
Final Design for the Orange Detailed Chariot 2, with cast-member Chris Judge. Photo from a filming location in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Chariot Assembly Instructions[]
On Thu April 6, 2017 an image was posted of a window with chariot assembly instructions attached.
