The thick fabric used for the bodywork is very impressive.
Although the off-roading vehicle market has become increasingly saturated, Fering, a British company, wants to make a splash with its Pioneer. This SUV is unlike any other rugged SUVs on the market. It has an extended electric range. According to the company, the range between refilling the tank and charging the battery is up to 3,780 miles (7,000 km).
Each axle of the Pioneer is powered by an electric motor. They produce a total 443 pound-feet (600 Newton meters) of torque. The battery has an electric-only range that is approximately 50 miles. The battery uses lithium titanate dioxide cells. These are Fering reports better than common lithium-ion chemistry in extreme weather conditions.
The 800cc three-cylinder range-extender runs on biodiesel and is 800cc in displacement. Fering announced that buyers will need to specify long-range fuel tank options to attain the claimed ultra-high range.
It is difficult to see the proportions of the Pioneer in photos. According to Fering reports, it is shorter than the Ford Mondeo Estate which measures 191.6 inches (4.867 millimeters). The new Ford Maverick pickup measures 199.7 inches (5.072 millimeters).
To save weight, the Pioneer features an aluminum spaceframe chassis and fabric panels on its exterior. Fering claims that the material can be easily replaced and provides better insulation than metal. The truck weighs in at 3,307 pounds (or 1,500 kilograms) dry. The truck’s maximum payload is 3,307 pounds.
Fering has already built a prototype Pioneer to test. The company plans to start production in the first quarter of 2022. The product is intended to appeal to adventurers and explorers as well as emergency service personnel. The range extender could be used as a generator, power lights or any other outdoor gear.
Fering was founded by Ben Scott-Geddes. He was previously Director of Innovation, Body In White at Ferrari. He was also part of the McLaren F1 team and the BMW V12 LMR endurance racing car.