A British firm led by a former a Ferrari and McLaren F1 engineer has developed a remarkable new electric off-roader designed for use in the world’s most challenging environments. 

The Fering Pioneer is the brainchild of Ben Scott-Geddes, who has repurposed supercar and racing technology to provide environmental responsibility and unrivalled off-grid capabilities for the most extreme adventures. The Pioneer is no bigger than a medium sized van in all directions, is lighter than a hatchback and yet has better carrying capacity than some trucks. 

The Pioneer is built around a lightweight aluminium frame and makes use of the same composite materials usually found in Formula One cars. To save weight, the exterior panels are made from a tough fabric which can shrug off damage and offer better insulation than traditional metal panels. 

Pioneer off-roader can deliver a range of more that 4,300 miles with its range-extender

Power to the axles is provided solely by two electric motors that provide instant pulling power, controllability and reliability. They provide a total of 600Nm of torque; more than a comparable diesel 4x4. 

A battery pack provides a zero local emission, electric-only range of around 50 miles. For longe rjourneys, the battery is supported by a compact and lightweight 800cc 3-cylinder range extender combustion engine powered by biodiesel. By operating consistently at its most efficient level, the engine generates power to run the motors and charge the battery in normal driving. This means the battery can cover peak demands for power – such as hill climbing – using energy reserves which are then replenished while the vehicle is cruising, stationary or braking. 

The Pioneer’s battery cells are not the same as you’d find in a conventional EV, as the usual Lithium-Ion chemistry is affected significantly by extremes of weather. Instead, Fering have used more sophisticated Lithium Titanate Oxide cells which are designed to survive the rigors of extreme weather.

The efficiency also means the Pioneer can have an incredible ability to live ‘off-grid’ and survive expeditions to remote areas without having to worry about refuelling. With long-range tanks fitted, the Fering will be capable of driving for more than 3,400 miles without needing a fuel stop or recharging from the grid. If such extreme range isn’t needed for a mission, the tanks can be swapped for water to provide fresh supplies on a mission. 

Every aspect of the Pioneer’s design and construction has been painstakingly thought-out. For example, the exterior dimensions were set by the size of a standard shipping container while the 21-inch wheels were chosen because they can be fitted with standard truck tyres that are available in even the remotest parts of the world.  

The first prototype Pioneer is already going through a rigorous testing process and being assessed by early customers and organisations. Series production will start in the UK during the first half of 2022. 

Aluminium frame and modular construction keeps kerbweight low