Electric vehicles are becoming ever more popular as people realise the benefits for the environment and on their wallets. The electric car still has some barriers to overcome though – which is why taking the electric Nissan LEAF on an epic adventure is so important. Plug In Adventures plan on driving the LEAF in the Mongol Rally 2017. This will be the first time ever that a fully electric vehicle is attempting this monumental challenge.
Given the extreme nature of the challenge, some minor modification was required to ensure the 30kW Acenta model would survive the tough going on offer. The suspension was raised all round, the belly pan and underside of the vehicle was strengthened, rear seats were removed and a roof rack and rally tyres were fitted. This led to a weight saving of 34kg but also meant better grip and more robust handling on the rugged terrain.
The Mongol Rally 2017 starts in Goodwood Racing Circuit in Chichester UK and finishes in Ulan-Ude in Eastern Russia. Interestingly, there is no set route to be covered but instead teams have to hit designated check points to ensure successful completion. Between 8,000 to 10,000 miles on total will be covered by each team and the journey is expected to take between 6-8 weeks.
Teams taking part in the Mongol Rally 2017 are – can you believe it – tackling the challenge for the love of it. The event is non-competitive in nature and is carried out in the spirit of adventure, just as others have in true cross country yomps of old. By the time you’ll be reading this, the rally will have started!
Chris Ramsey is the founder of Plug In Adventures and will be travelling with his wife Julie on the epic adventure. To date, over £3,000 has been raised for the journey. Two charities will benefit from donations following completion of the rally, namely WWF Scotland and CoolEarth. The company comprises of a team of enthusiasts looking to push the electric car ever further.
The ambitious nature of the undertaking has not gone unnoticed – the company has been invited to stop off at the Astana ‘Future Energy’s’ Expo 2017 in Kazakhstan. Over 115 countries will be represented at the Expo, along with a significant number of companies all involved in future energy and sustainability. The ‘Future Energy’ expo aims to create a global debate between countries, nongovernmental organizations, companies and the general public. Topics include talking about EV’s, charging infrastructures, the importance of climate change initiatives and how EV’s can play a part.
We at Car Articles would like to wish Chris Ramsey and the team all the very best of luck on this epic journey and we await news of the Mongol Rally 2017 with baited breath. May the Nissan LEAF serve you well, ladies and gentlemen. A more sustainable future is in all of our interests.
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