Nissan Leaf AT-EV goes ‘off the grid’ with Plug-In Adventures
Electric vehicle advocate Plug-In Adventures has created a specially modified Nissan Leaf that will be the first all-electric car to enter the Mongol Rally, driving 10,000 miles (16,000 km) from the UK to Mongolia in summer 2017.
Dubbed the Leaf AT-EV (All Terrain Electric Vehicle), the vehicle is based on a standard 30kWh Nissan Leaf Acenta, which offers a range of up to 155 miles / 250 km on a single charge. Key modifications have been made to better equip the car once it reaches the more remote parts of the journey.
The Leaf AT-EV has been fitted with Speedline SL2 Marmora wheels and Maxsport RB3 narrow tires for better performance on unsealed roads. Welded plates to the underside of the wishbones, braided brake lines, mudflaps and a 6mm aluminium sump guard add further protection from rough terrain.
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A modified roof rack provides external storage and is fitted with a Lazer Triple-R 16 LED light bar to produce 16,400 lumens of supplementary low-voltage forward lighting during the remotest parts of the trip.
As the Mongol Rally isn’t a timed race, the entrants’ vehicles ideally provide long distance comfort. The interior modifications to the Leaf AT-EV have been focused on reducing weight and providing more storage space.
The driver and front passenger area is unmodified apart from the addition of rubber floor mats. The rear row of seats and rear seatbelts have been completely removed, contributing to a 32kg weight loss. A Fire Extinguisher and Medi Kit have also been integrated into the boot space.
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The modifications to the Leaf AT-EV were carried out by RML Group, a leading high-performance automotive engineering company based in the UK.
Plug In Adventures
Plug In Adventures was founded by Chris Ramsey in 2011 and was born from a combined passion for adventure and electric vehicles. Comprising a group of EV enthusiasts based in Scotland, its aim is to engage with the public in unique and different ways, championing all things EV-related.
Source: MotorPress