Nissan Leaf AT-EV to undertake 10,000-mile Mongol Rally
All-electric vehicle is the first of its kind to enter the challenging event
A specially modified Nissan Leaf is set to become the first all-electric car to enter the gruelling Mongol Rally when it undertakes the 10,000-mile journey this summer.
Called the Leaf AT-EV, the car has a range of up to 155 miles – but has been upgraded with a range of modifications to better equip it against the tough roads it will face on the route from the UK to Mongolia. The car was created by ‘electric vehicle advocate’ Plug In Adventures.
It has been fitted with narrow wheels and tyres, while its wishbones have been protected with welded metal plates. A large sump guard adds greater protection to the car – though of course there is no oil reservoir to protect.
Gareth Dunsmore, director of electric vehicles for Nissan Europe, said: “Since we launched the Leaf in 2010, our customers have collectively driven over three billion kilometres, saving more than 500 million kilograms of CO2 emissions in the process. Our ‘Electrify the World’ initiative connects stories from these people who are living an electric lifestyle.
“Few Nissan Leaf owners have been more vocal or accomplished as Plug In Adventures at demonstrating that electric vehicles can do so much more than the daily commute. We applaud this ambitious driving challenge and wish them a safe and enjoyable journey.”
The Mongol Rally is a 10,000-mile drive for charity that first started in 2004. Taking in mountains, deserts and steppes, it is one of a number of event organised by The Adventurists, an outfit of people who say they are dedicated to making the world less boring and have raised £5million for charity to date.
