This isn’t an offroad modified Tesla Model X but we really wish It was. Let me present to you the Extreme-E Odyssey 21 electric SUV.
Electric-E is the only Dakar-inspired rally race series dedicated to electric SUVs. The series is spearheaded by Formula E founder Alejandro Agag and is unlike any other event we have ever seen.
Extreme-E is headquartered not in an office or a workshop but in a ship. Yes! The actual mail ship, specifically the Royal Mail Ship RMS St. Helena. It will travel to five countries spanning across four continents, carrying with it all the teams and their vehicles.
The Extreme-E racing series won’t focus on simply organizing races in some of the most extreme locations around the world. Instead, race locations will include ecologically damaged biospheres and they’ll be restored of their natural resources.
Extreme-E aims to accomplish three main tasks, to promote electric vehicles as the sustainable future transport, to use the power and fame of motorsport to help rebuild native communities around the world, and to raise awareness about climate change.
And speaking of electric vehicles, the Extreme-E has a beast of an electric car that is built on an all-new platform specifically designed for extreme off-roading. It is not a modified Tesla Model X but we really wish to see Tesla in such a racing series in the near future.
Maybe not the Tesla Model X but the Cybertruck could be a better fit for this electric Dakar Rally.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Extreme E electric SUV and the adventure it’s going on.
Modified Tesla Model X: Extreme-E Electric SUV
The Extreme-E electric SUV is known as Odyssey 21 and was unveiled at the Good Wood Festival of speed a few months ago.
The “offroad modified Tesla Model X” isn’t a Tesla at all. The Extreme-E electric SUV starts its life at a metalworks factory in France.
Here, the chassis of the Extreme-E is made as the metal tubes used in its construction are imbued with Niobium (Nb). Pure Niobium has a similar level of hardness as titanium and ductility similar to iron.
The Niobium metal goes through a series of surface treatments, cold and heat treatments before finally being integrated into the chassis.
Approx. 100 meters of tubing is required to create a single chassis of the Extreme-E electric SUV.
In terms of specifications, it features an All-Wheel Drive system capable of generating 400 kW or 550 HP. It is capable of 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds at an inclination of 55 degrees, which is pretty impressive.
The weight of the Odyssey 21 Electric SUV is 1650 kg, which is similar to a Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD. The electric powertrain of this vehicle is developed by Spark Technology, which has experience of making Gen 1 and Gen 2 Formula E cars.
Meanwhile, the batteries are provided by Williams Advanced Engineering. Each team will be given the freedom to modify different body and performance parts on the electric SUV to suit their needs.
The races in the Extreme-E racing series will take place in a 10-square km area, posing no problem with the battery range.
The series will officially begin its first season in February 2021. However, it will be tested in Saudi Arabia as it travels through a variety of conditions including sand dunes and mountain regions.
When Will Tesla Join A Racing Series? Tweet this to Elon to let him know the world needs a Cybertruck racing series.
Also Read: This Electric Rally Car From Ford Is Faster Than A Tesla Roadster!