Fering Pioneer is an electric SUV with a range extender biodiesel engine

Fering is a relative newcomer to the electric vehicle space. Still, the British automaker insists that its Pioneer electric SUV is the ideal solution for off-roaders, adventurous and quirky people looking to stand out in the midst of the burgeoning electric off-road crowd.

If you’ve never heard of Fering, we can’t blame you. However, company founder Ben Scott-Geddes could ring a bell. The guy used to be part of the engineering team at Ferrari and McLaren and also served as the technical director of the Caparo T1 project. In addition, Scott-Geddes and his team were responsible for the BMW LMR endurance racing car and the legendary McLaren F1.

On the other hand, Fering Pioneer is a rugged SUV in the same shape as the Rivian R1S and the GMC Hummer EV. And when it comes to electric vehicles, reducing weight is the key to greater range and performance, and Scott-Geddes knows a lot about lightness. Fering claims Pioneer has a dry weight of just 3,307 pounds and a maximum payload of the same number. The Pioneer measures 191.6 inches long and is no bigger than a Hyundai Santa Cruz or Ford Maverick.

It owes its lightness to an aluminum composite spaceframe chassis, but most of it has to do with the Fering Pioneer’s most amazing party trick: fabric exterior cladding. Instead of body panels made of aluminum, steel or carbon fiber, the Pioneer has body panels made of fabric, the same material used in the manufacture of premium hiking boots. Fering said the fabric not only saved weight, but also provided better insulation against the elements than metal.

The Fering Pioneer is powered by two electric motors, one for each axle. No horsepower figures are available at the moment, but Fering said the powertrain produces 443 pound-feet of torque. The electric vehicle has a lithium titanate oxide battery, which Fering claims performs better in extreme weather conditions, even though the cells can only provide 50 miles of all-electric range.

We agree that 50 miles of electric range isn’t enough, but Fering Pioneer has another trick up its sleeve. It also has an 800cc three cylinder biodiesel engine. When equipped with an optional long-range fuel tank, the truck can have a range of up to 4,350 miles, ideal for three-day outdoor weekend adventures.

Production for Fering Pioneer will begin in the UK in mid-2022, and pricing details will follow shortly. We have to admit, Fering Pioneer is one of the quirkiest electric off-roaders we’ve seen in a while.