Six Nissan LEAFs are currently powering their way across the European landscape, as part of the Tallsinki – Monte-Carlo Electric Marathon EV racing event which is underway this week.
Beginning in Tallinn, Estonia and driving some 3,700km to Monte Carlo, the LEAFs are being driven by university teams competing in one of the two categories open in this year’s event.
While the six university teams are all driving exactly the same model 2018 Nissan LEAF replete with 40kWh battery, the other category is open to any type of electric vehicle.
Competitors began the race on September 18, and during the race the electric vehicles will pass through 10 countries and 37 European cities, following the route of the 1930 Tallinn-Monte Carlo Rally.
Gareth Dunsmore, electric vehicle director for Nissan Europe, says the Nissan LEAFs’ participation in the marathon will underline their suitability for long distance journeys.
“The new LEAF is our icon of Nissan Intelligent Mobility and an important step towards Nissan’s vision to deliver sustainable mobility for all,” he said in a statement to the press.
“Seeing our 100% electric Nissan LEAF starting such a marathon is a true testament of how versatile this car can be.”
The race will continue until September 29, 2018, with competitors due to finish the final of 30 stages on the 28th followed by a 43km ceremonial escorted drive from Nice to Monaco the next day.
It is the 8th year running of the Electric Marathon, which has grown from a field of 12 electric cars to 40.
EV network Smart Weekend put together a little video for those who’d like to see more of what Electric Marathon is all about.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.