Volteis X4 Offers Electric Power In Off-Road Capable Vehicles

Volteis Electric Car in France is offering an all-electric vehicle called the X4. Aimed at those who want to travel off-road without adding exhaust or noise pollution to the environment, the X4 styling closely replicates the original small 4x4, the Willys Jeep.

The Jeep is quite familiar to the French because of the thousands seen during World War II. Also in the 1950s and 1960s, Hotchkiss built nearly 28,000 M201 Jeeps under license from Kaiser, mostly for the French Army. The Volteis 4X most resembles the M201 that was essentially the U.S. military’s Jeep MB of WWII fame.

The X4 is being marketed with several models, versions, and with many options that allow much personalization. There is an 8.8 foot short frame model that can seat two and a 9.8 foot long frame model that can seat up to four. The basic ‘Wind Deflector’ version comes only with a windshield. The ‘Capote’ model has a waterproof canvas top and for maximum weather protection a full metal shell hardtop.

A two-wheel drive version uses a single 4 kW asynchronous motor while the full-time 4WD version uses a pair of 4 kW motors driving all four wheels. If more power is needed, two 6.3 kW motors are optional. While these power numbers may seem low, remember that electric motors provide lots of torque at very low speeds so the X4 should be able to handle relatively steep inclines and rough terrain.

The X4 features twelve 48 volt, 24 amp-hour lead-acid gel batteries located beneath the front seat. Top speed is 44 mph. Volteis does not provide specs for driving range since this is highly dependent on whether the X4 is traveling over smooth, level highways; over a sandy beach, or climbing a steep grade.

Unlike many electric vehicles that make extensive use of plastics to achieve lighter weight and increase efficiencies, the X4’s body is made of stainless steel and aluminum. Laser welded stainless steel is used for the basic frame. All this adds up to a rugged and durable package for off-road duty while maintaining needed light weight. A variety of tires can be fitted depending on expected duty, ranging from use as a people mover at resorts to a serious off-road vehicle.