A tracked variant of a standard family crossover has taken to the the ski resorts in Europe
The vehicle will bring hybrid electric powertrains to mountain rescue without compromising on capabilities. Nissan has been producing the X-Trail crossover in various forms for nearly a quarter of a century with the latest variant featuring the company’s e-4ORCE hybrid electric powertrain technology.
Now, the company has chosen to stretch the capabilities of electric traction to the limits by replacing the wheels with tracks and setting out for the slopes of European ski resorts to enable rescue vehicles to get closer to those that need their services.
The modifications to the X-Trail Mountain Rescue include the replacement of the wheels with snow tracks, giving confident traction on slippery pistes, while the rear seats have been removed to allow the installation of a stretcher, to allow the transportation of injured skiers to the nearest medical facility, and a seat for a medical professional.
Externally, a bespoke roof rack has been added to carry an evacuation stretcher and snow shovels. A siren, flashing light bar and powerful lights have also been embedded to the X-Trail’s roof, as well as lights on the bonnet.
What sets the electrified twin-motor e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system apart from its road-going equivalent is that it can react to changing levels of grip in 1/10,000th of a second, approximately 1000 times quicker than a traditional all-wheel drive system, and it can adjust the distribution of power to the wheels individually, according to the available grip.
The vehicle is now on a combined mission touring the ski resorts promoting mountain safety whilst demonstrating the capabilities of its electric drive system.
Nissan is promoting courteous slope etiquette at five ski resorts with the placement of digital speed signs which encourage snow riders to slow down where different slopes meet to reduce the risk of collision.
According to Coralie Musy of Nissan, thousands of winter sports enthusiasts passing through the five ski resorts will see the rescue vehicle and take part in the campaign.
“Over and above the demonstration of our advanced technology, the campaign also has a wider purpose which is to encourage responsible behaviour among the community of winter sports enthusiasts,” she says.
- UK manufacturing steps up to COVID-19 crisis - April 2, 2020
- Clustering Innovation - March 12, 2020
- A Global Monitor - March 6, 2020