Nissan LEAF AT-EV, The 1st Electric Car To Finish The Grueling 8,000-Mile Route Mongol Rally

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For all the naysayers who think electric cars, and in particular lighter-range Nissan LEAFs, are not up to making it at the Mongol Rally, think again. Husband and wife team Chris and Julie Ramsey showed the Nissan LEAF’s agile prowess does have enough longevity at the Mongol Rally. Take a few notes from Chris Ramsey:

“There were a number of detractors who told me an electric car isn’t capable of long-distance journeys. Well after thousands of miles and almost zero problems, I can tell you that is not the case. This has been the absolute trip of a lifetime, and I can’t believe we’re now at the finishing line.”

CleanTechnica applauds the Ramseys with much love. As the Mongolian Charity Rally states, the charity event adventure is not for the faint-hearted: “Only the courageous need apply. The journey of a lifetime begins with a single step: summoning up the courage to sign-up for the Mongolia Charity Rally.”

I have to admit when the uninformed person voices misconceptions about the capabilities of the Nissan LEAF, I sometimes have to chuckle lightly. The EV is so much more than many grok. I am not surprised by the Ramseys’ success. Still, I admire their journey. Total EV further quotes Ramsey,

“We’ve traveled through countless countries using just battery power and zero emissions. I’m elated, ecstatic, a bit exhausted, but also completely electrified!”

Total EV reports that the Ramseys’ Nissan LEAF became the first electric vehicle to finish the grueling 8,000-mile route. CleanTechnica’s earlier story explained that it was a specially modified Nissan LEAF for a unique tour. It was tailored for the express purpose of going an immense distance “off the grid,” and it was the first all-electric car to enter the Mongol Rally. That particular Nissan LEAF — dubbed LEAF AT-EV (All Terrain Electric Vehicle) — fulfilled its plan to drive from the UK to Mongolia this summer.

“The EV crossed the finish line in Ulan Ude, Russia, just under two months after setting off from Goodwood Motor Circuit in West Sussex. The team from Plug-In Adventures traveled through 14 countries, including Romania, Azerbaijan, and Mongolia. With access to an extensive fast charging network throughout Europe, once the team passed Bulgaria heading east they had to get creative to recharge their car. Locals let them charge at places such as bars, hotels, barbershops and even a fire station – the local firefighters also put them up for the night.”

Mongol Rally explains: “The basic route is from launch in Brussels to Ulaanbaatar, but the specific route choice is up to you and your team: the world is your oyster!”

Related Stories:

Nissan e-NV200 Undertakes 35-Day European Electrip Showcasing European Electric Corridor

Nissan LEAF AT-EV “Going Off The Grid” — Driving 10,000 Miles From UK To Mongolia This Summer

Images: Nissan Leaf AT-EV via Plugin-Adventures, Mongol Rally via Mongol Rally Photos


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Cynthia Shahan

Cynthia Shahan, started writing after previously doing research and publishing work on natural birth practices. Words can be used improperly depending on the culture you are in. (Several unrelated publications) She has a degree in Education, Anthropology, Creative Writing, and was tutored in Art as a young child thanks to her father the Doctor. Pronouns: She/Her

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