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Electric Pinzgauer 6×6: A Military-Grade Off-Roader Gets a Second Life

The Pinzgauer 6×6 is a legendary military off-roader that's been around for decades. Its rugged design and capabilities make it a favorite among those who need a vehicle that can handle the toughest terrain. But what happens when this beast is retired and left to sit idle for too long? That's exactly what happened to a 1973 Pinzgauer 712M 6×6, until a team of enthusiasts decided to breathe new life into it by converting it to electric power. The conversion, documented by the YouTube channel Creative Engineering Projects, is a remarkable feat of engineering. The team replaced the original engine and five-speed manual transmission with an electric motor mounted directly to the rig's two-speed transfer case. The batteries were mounted in side cargo boxes, and other electronics were integrated into a cubbyhole under the cab. However, the project quickly hit some roadblocks. The company hired to perform the conversion folded, ...

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The Pinzgauer 6×6 is a legendary military off-roader that’s been around for decades. Its rugged design and capabilities make it a favorite among those who need a vehicle that can handle the toughest terrain. But what happens when this beast is retired and left to sit idle for too long? That’s exactly what happened to a 1973 Pinzgauer 712M 6×6, until a team of enthusiasts decided to breathe new life into it by converting it to electric power.

The conversion, documented by the YouTube channel Creative Engineering Projects, is a remarkable feat of engineering. The team replaced the original engine and five-speed manual transmission with an electric motor mounted directly to the rig’s two-speed transfer case. The batteries were mounted in side cargo boxes, and other electronics were integrated into a cubbyhole under the cab.

However, the project quickly hit some roadblocks. The company hired to perform the conversion folded, leaving the Pinzgauer EV as a “rough draft” with several issues that needed fixing. The team had to deal with leaks, driveline vibrations, and other problems that required careful diagnosis and repair.

Despite the challenges, the end result is a truly remarkable vehicle. The electric Pinzgauer 6×6 is even more capable than before, with instantly available torque that will come in handy on the toughest off-road trails. And with its rugged design and military-grade features, it’s a vehicle that’s sure to turn heads.

Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or just looking for a unique vehicle, the electric Pinzgauer 6×6 is definitely worth checking out. And who knows, it might just inspire you to tackle your own EV conversion project.

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