Ural for truck trial
In Miass, the legacy of the brand’s testing heritage was visible as engineers prepared a modern vehicle for a demanding truck trial, drawing on previous triumphs to showcase capabilities in tough conditions. The team focused on adapting a serial model for rigorous competition, emphasizing reliability and rugged performance under real-world stresses.
At the core of the setup lies the biaxial Ural-43206 chassis. The design moved the batteries and a larger fuel tank from their standard positions to the loading platform, with an extra 60‑litre tank added to extend endurance. The cockpit gained a safety cage and five-point restraints for both the driver and the navigator, reinforcing safety without compromising accessibility or visibility. This configuration highlights the manufacturer’s approach to balancing payload, safety, and durability in challenging environments.
Beyond these changes, the vehicle retains many familiar attributes that signal the ongoing adaptability of Ural trucks to a wide range of operating conditions. The focus remains on keeping the proven reliability of serial Urals while expanding their capacity to handle extreme workloads and rough terrains, a core selling point for fleets operating in harsh climates and demanding jobs.
Hybrid Urals
The second major development outlines a promising path for environmentally conscious propulsion. The project introduces a hybrid model featuring a gas-electric powertrain designed to minimize emissions without sacrificing range or performance. The liquefied natural gas engine is tasked with charging the batteries during movement, supplying energy to the electric motor that drives the rear axle.
Battery capacity is planned to support roughly 100 kilometers on electric power alone. When paired with the internal combustion engine, the overall range improves by an estimated 400 to 500 kilometers, offering a practical balance between eco-friendly operation and extended travel capability. The path forward is to advance toward a fully electric option, with anticipated driving ranges up to 300 kilometers between charges for a later generation.
UralAZ’s plans indicate a broader ambition to diversify propulsion options. Future models are being considered not only for gas and electric traction, but also for hydrogen-powered systems, signaling a strategic shift toward a more versatile and lower-emission lineup.
- UralAZ’s plans are ambitious: there will be models not only on gas and electric traction, but also on hydrogen!
- behind the wheel can now be read in Telegram.
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