Plug In Adventures and the RML Group have teamed up to create a Nissan Leaf capable of traveling the 16,000 km from the UK to Mongolia.
When we think of a rally car, the Nissan Leaf is most likely the last model that comes to mind, for all the reasons and more: it's electric, it has front wheel drive, … Ok, that's more than enough reasons.That hasn't stopped Plug In Adventures, a company that encompasses a group of electric vehicle enthusiasts in Scotland, from trying to compete in Rally Mongolia with a Nissan Leaf.
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This is not Plug In Adventures' debut in these leads. In April 2016, this group traveled the North Coast 500 aboard a 30kWh Leaf, a challenging 830km circuit through the Scottish Highlands.
Who said trams couldn't leave town?
No, we are not suggesting venturing thousands of kilometers off-road in a tram... In truth, the model in question has been heavily modified by the engineering company RML Group, as much as a tram can be modified to participate on a rally.Denominated Nissan Leaf AT-EV (All Terrain Electric Vehicle), this «rally machine» was built on a Nissan Leaf (version Acenta 30 kWh) which, as standard, advertises up to 250 km of autonomy.
The car was fitted with Speedline SL2 Marmora wheels and narrow Maxsport RB3 tires for better performance on unpaved roads. Guard plates were welded to the underside of the suspension triangles, the braking circuit was doubled, mudguards were fitted, and the Leaf AT-EV was further given a 6mm aluminum crankcase guard.
On the other hand, the modified roof bars provide an extra base for outdoor transport and are equipped with a Lazer Triple-R 16 LED light bar, important in the more remote parts of the route.
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As Rally Mongolia is not a timed race, comfort is an important factor on this long distance course. Inside, the driver and front passenger area remains unchanged (except for the addition of rubber mats), while the rear row of seats and their seat belts have been completely removed, contributing to a 32 kg weight reduction . The RML Group also added a fire extinguisher and a medical kit in the luggage compartment.
Chris Ramsey, founder of Plug In Adventures, plans to make frequent stops during the trip to promote the benefits of electric vehicles to the citizens of the countries he will pass through, before participating in the Mongolian Rally. A challenge for which you are more than prepared:
“The Mongolian Rally is the most challenging journey for an electric vehicle to date, but it is a challenge we have been planning for several years. Not only will we face a decrease in the number of EV carriers as we move east, but the terrain becomes more difficult to navigate as well.”
This Nissan Leaf AT-EV is now ready to travel the 16 000 km from the UK to East Asia, to participate in the Mongolia Rally, this summer 2017. Good luck!