Nissan has entered an electric car in the 10,000 mile Mongol Rally that will span the distance from the UK to Mongolia this summer. The car is the Leaf AT-EV, meaning All Terrain Electric Vehicle. The car is based on a normal 30 kWh Leaf Acenta car with up to 155 miles of driving range on a single charge. The car has been modified to survive the trip.
Modifications for the Mongol Rally
Modifications include special wheels and narrow tires designed for work on unsealed roads, which are common in the remote areas the rally will traverse. The underside of the car has been reinforced with numerous welded plates to protect key components from damage. Additionally, a sump guard has been installed to shield the engine and other vital parts from rough terrain and potential impacts.
The car also features a roof rack equipped with Lazer Triple-R 16 LED lights, providing an impressive 16,400 lumens of illumination. This lighting setup is crucial for navigating the dark and often treacherous parts of the journey, ensuring that the driver can see obstacles and hazards clearly even in low-light conditions.
Interior and Safety Features
Inside the vehicle, the driver and front passenger area remains unmodified to maintain comfort and usability. However, the rear seats and seatbelts have been removed to create additional space for essential equipment and supplies. This modification allows the team to carry more gear, which is vital for a journey of this magnitude.
Safety is a top priority for such an arduous trip. The car is equipped with a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit, ensuring that the team is prepared for any emergencies that may arise. These safety features are essential given the remote and challenging nature of the rally route.
Challenges and Considerations
One of the significant challenges for the Leaf AT-EV will be managing its electric charge over the 10,000-mile journey. The rally route includes vast stretches of remote terrain where charging stations are scarce or non-existent. This means the team will need to carefully plan their stops and charging points to ensure they can complete each leg of the journey.
The car’s range of up to 155 miles on a single charge is based on standard driving conditions. However, the rough terrain and additional weight from modifications and equipment may reduce this range. The extra lighting, while essential for safety, will also draw power from the battery, further impacting the car’s range.
To mitigate these challenges, the team will likely carry portable charging solutions and may rely on the support of local communities and fellow rally participants. The Mongol Rally is known for its spirit of camaraderie and adventure, with participants often helping each other out in times of need.
The Spirit of Adventure
The Mongol Rally is not just a test of the vehicle’s capabilities but also a testament to the spirit of adventure and innovation. By entering an electric vehicle in the rally, Nissan is showcasing the potential of electric cars to handle even the most demanding journeys. This endeavor highlights the advancements in electric vehicle technology and its growing viability for long-distance travel.
The Leaf AT-EV’s participation in the Mongol Rally is a pioneering effort that could pave the way for more electric vehicles in similar events. It demonstrates that with the right modifications and planning, electric cars can take on challenges that were once thought to be the domain of traditional combustion engine vehicles.
As the rally progresses, it will be fascinating to see how the Leaf AT-EV performs and what lessons can be learned from this ambitious undertaking. The journey from the UK to Mongolia is a true test of endurance, both for the vehicle and the team behind it, and it will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into the future of electric vehicle travel.
via Nissan
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