Entering a new era of next-level off-roading

After two exciting months of testing the 4x4 prototype, it’s time to report back from the field. The world’s first electric Puch Pinzgauer is a pretty smooth ride (caveat: for a Pinz). It’s also near-unstoppable beyond the tarmac, easy to handle, and yes, a lot less noisy than the original, as you can tell from the video. If we had to compress our verdict into three words, “substantially exceeds expectations” would sum it up nicely.

Our verdict: substantially exceeds expectations.

The 4x4 prototype in action: the rugged landscape around the workshop provides the perfect testing ground.

First tests, using an 85 kWh battery pack, have not only confirmed previous range estimates but even led us to increase them: from >200 kilometres to >250 kilometres. Beyond the tarmac, the prototype delivers around eight hours of off-road driving. Thanks to all-new specs, including over 1000 Nm of instant torque, a lower centre of gravity, over 400 horsepower and a universally compatible charging system (courtesy of Vector) we are thoroughly enjoying each and every outing.

After over a year of complex planning and hard work, these successful test runs have shown us that we are onto something. Until the prototype was ready, the whole idea of electrifying an old Puch Pinzgauer had been strictly theoretical. We knew that it should work. But it’s not until you get behind the wheel and hit the accelerator that it hits you – this thing is real!

It’s not until you get behind the wheel that it hits you – this thing is real!

The 4x4 prototype offers up to 8 hours of off-road driving, with an on-road range of over 250 kilometres.

Now we’ve reached this important milestone, we can’t wait to get the Pinzelec system into our yellow 6x6 and hook it up to the solar rig we have been designing. Only then will we be able to answer the question at the centre of Project ECARUS: can you travel on sunshine?

The question at the centre of Project ECARUS: can you travel on sunshine?

With over 1000 Nm of instant torque and over 400 bhp, there are few limits for this electric off-roader.

The next few months will be crucial. We will focus on getting Project ECARUS on, or rather off the road – and we have our work cut out for ourselves: finishing the expedition shelter and solar rig, as well as outfitting and field trials before this summer’s test expedition.

Next up: the 6x6 solar-powered version.

Best of both worlds: bringing together old and new technologies creates a new level of off-road capability.

So, to sum up: things have been rather exciting. Not just because we’ve had a brand new prototype to field test but also because there’s been much progress in other areas, from new collaborations to exciting invitations and plenty of welding (more on that in our next update). As always, there’s no shortage of work ahead. But you know what? We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any comments, questions or feedback for us. We’d love to hear from you.

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