Fering Pioneer breaks new ground with expedition off-roaders

A team of engineers in Great Britain led by Ben Scott-Geddes had a supercar background, Scott-Geddes had worked on the McLaren F1, BMW LMS Racer, Caparo T1 and Ferrari SF90. However, instead of doing what they knew, they turned left about 18 months ago and headed for the literal hills. The mission of their new company, Fering, is to “develop a vehicle that could cross the world with a lighter impact”. Scott-Geddes was particularly interested in a vehicle that could traverse an unsupported 4,000 kilometer stretch of the Arctic through Canada and Russia. The result is the Fering Pioneer, an electric off-roader with an extended range full of innovations.

The least unusual aspect is the powertrain, which revolves around a twin bank of lithium-titanium oxide batteries with a combined capacity of 20 kWh. Battery chemistry isn’t as efficient as lithium-ion, but it holds a charge better in extreme heat and cold, and is more resistant to fire, shock, and punctures. The small unit is good for around 80 kilometers of all-electric driving, but is charged by an 800 cc diesel range extender engine from a Smart. This combination powers two electric motors, one on each axle, that produce 443 pound-feet of combined torque. The top speed is around 80 miles per hour.

The aluminum tubular chassis contains welded, screwed, and glued connections that are complemented by composite materials for strength. The Pioneer is 189 inches long, 79 inches wide, and 77 inches high; that’s an inch shorter, a couple of inches wider, and six inches taller than a Ford Transit Connect. The modular frame design means that the door frames are identical from front to back and from side to side, which further improves the ease of repair.

The compact stance makes the 22.5-inch wheels appear gigantic. Fering chooses this size because it is a standard for heavy trucks around the world and can be easily swapped from Borneo to Bolivia. These rims hang on 2: 1 gear hubs that multiply the torque and create a whopping 31.5 inches of ground clearance. The chassis is covered with a sturdy, hard-wearing fabric that is similar to that of hiking boots. it does not dent and is easy to repair and replace.

The package is said to weigh 3,307 pounds dry and again to support its weight as a payload. Fering says the Pioneer will climb a 60% incline and 19.7-inch step, traverse a 50-degree drop, and traverse 55 inches of water. Designed to get in and out of the most remote of environments, the real USP is when the Pioneer is equipped with an extended range fuel tank. At an average of 50 miles per gallon, the large tank has a range of 7,000 kilometers, or 4,350 miles.

The company plans to go into production next year, with a plan to produce 150-200 Pioneers per year, and Fering has already taken its first deposit for a drilling rig in the Amazon. The starting price is approx. £ 150,000 ($ 206,700 US) but that can hit any budget, Fering promises almost endless customization and upgrade options.

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