The ultimate all-terrain tank

ʂ This Nissan make mince meat of tough, harsh and extreme environments. BUILT TO TACKLE RESCUE MISSIONS

The Nissan NavaraEnGuard Concept is a durable and tough all-terrain pick-up, designed to operate as a life-saving rescue platform in some of the world’s most harsh and extreme environments.

Based on a Double Cab Tekna version of the Nissan Navara – the current holder of the International Pick-up Award – the NavaraEnGuard Concept features bespoke design elements and performance upgrades.

It is also packed with vital equipment suitable for emergency and disaster recovery work, including an advanced drone to provide vital intelligence about what dangers rescue crews might face.

It also marks the world debut of a prototype portable battery pack, designed and developed by Nissan. It utilises the brand’s tried and tested EV battery technology, already available on the road in the 100% electric Nissan LEAF and e-NV200.

With more than 250 000 Nissan EVs sold worldwide, the company is at the forefront of this fast-developing sector and ideally placed to apply its expertise to explore new vehicle sectors and consumer opportunities in the future. When docked in place, the battery packs are constantly in “charge” mode, using power generated by the vehicle’s 2.3-litre 190PS twin-turbo diesel engine to ensure they are ready for emergency use when required. Each is a 2kW unit and utilises seven Nissan EV battery modules inside a weather-proof machined aluminium housing. Two input (charge) sockets and five output (discharge) sockets are integrated into each battery pack, featuring recessed ends to allow it to be carried easily. In a rescue environment, they could be used to operate specialist cutting or heavy-lifting equipment, and have been specifically designed to provide an efficient alternative to a petrol generator.

With zero emissions and no flammable fuel, portable battery packs can also be used in enclosed spaces such as a building or a cave. Additional power sockets are integrated into each side of the pick-up’s load bed.

As part of its Intelligent Mobility vision, Nissan is working to explore how its pioneering EV battery technology can be integrated further into society. These prototype battery packs provide a real-world example of how it could be applied to new sectors to provide cleaner and more sustainable power solutions.