Electric vehicles are a new norm across the globe and automobile manufacturers are making EVs more efficient. There is no question that EVs are becoming a preference for personal and public transportation use. Thanks to advanced technology, automotive manufacturers have come up with all-electric SUVs and trucks providing powerful performance on tough terrains.
That said, the automotive industry had made off-roading with EVs possible. Since many SUV and pickup truck owners enjoy off-roading trails in the UAE, the EVs are nothing short of a blessing for environment-conscious off-roading enthusiasts.
Here is a detailed guide on the pros and cons of off-roading with EVs and some preferable all-electric off-road vehicles that will be launched soon in the UAE.
OFF-ROADING WITH an EV
The question that may arise is how EVs are better for off-roading activity and will they improve the off-roading experience with a powerful performance. Here are some potential advantages and disadvantages of off-roading with electric vehicles.
PROS OF OFF-ROADING WITH EV
While the EVs curb global warming with reduced carbon emissions, they have proved to be advantageous for off-roading activities. That said, EVs have the following advantages in overland trips and off-roading that may be equivalent to a conventional car.
RANGE
Auto manufacturers have made EV range comparable to conventional vehicles. With EV charging stations in Dubai and more under the plan of the UAE government, EV owners can plan their journey accordingly.
However, when you go off-roading with an EV, things usually change. Since the vehicle requires more torque, it uses up more charging. Additionally, charging phones and cameras can reduce the charging capacity of the EV.
Although there are long-range EVs available, you will still have to plan your off-roading journey and make necessary adjustments to boost your EV battery performance. Furthermore, there is more braking on the off-roading tracks, which is helpful as regenerative braking adds a few extra kilometres.
CARGO SPACE
Since electric cars have motors instead of engines, you can have extra cargo space upfront known as ‘frunk’. That said, you can place a plug-in cooler fridge to conserve the power with reduced temperature.
The addition of a roof rack and utilising the truck bed space can help you keep the necessary accessories and tools for off-roading. Hence, an electric off-road vehicle has more cargo space than a conventional IC engine-powered vehicle.
OFF-GRID POWER GENERATOR
Since pick-up trucks have beds, you can use solar panels and extra battery packs to charge phones and power the cooler fridge. This will help in reducing the power consumption and the battery will provide a good range for off-roading with an EV.
VEHICLE PERFORMANCE
Automobile manufacturers have made technological advancements up to a certain extent. You can find electric trucks and SUVs with off-roading features providing power from 400 to 1100 hp. Moreover, high torque provides better control and stability on off-roading trails.
Some of these EV models come with high ground clearance and adjusted suspension. Besides, EVs can automatically adjust to shock dampening and compression on bumpy roads. GMC Hummer EV features 18 cameras displaying the terrain you are driving on and also detecting an object ahead of you, adding to your safety.
OFF-ROADING CAPABILITIES
The off-roading trucks such as Rivian R1T feature off-roading mode. Moreover, the benefit of going off-road with an EV is that it allows you to control the power and torque delivered to the wheels. Besides, regenerative braking provides sudden power drop and you won’t require lockers, crawl control, or lower gears.
CONS OF OFF-ROADING WITH EV
Alongside many benefits, off-roading with EVs has some drawbacks. That said, EVs currently have limitations on the factory presets, but once aftermarket off-road modifications and customisations come into play, EVs will be more geared up for off-roading activities. The following are some of the cons when you go off-roading with EV:
SIZE
Electric car manufacturers are currently focusing on full-size pickup trucks. That said, mid-size or compact SUVs tend to provide a better off-road grip and handling.
CUSTOMISATION AND REPAIR
Aftermarket modifications tend to provide better customisation according to different types of off-road terrains. Although EVs have automatically adjustable and controllable suspension systems and feature relatively new technology, factory settings upgrades are still unavailable.
Besides, when driving on off-road terrains, some exterior body parts may wear out. Since the newer parts of EVs are not mass-produced, they can be much more expensive than conventional vehicles. Since you can not use basic off-road modifications such as off-road bumpers and mudflaps, you will have to take care and not go hard on your electric truck when off-roading.
EFFECT OF WEATHER CONDITIONS
Electric vehicles feature lithium batteries which lose power in frigid temperatures. Although conventional fuel-powered vehicles see around a 20% reduction in fuel economy, EVs have witnessed around a 40% drop in battery performance and range at temperatures below 15 degrees centigrades.
While the UAE doesn’t have cold weather conditions, equipping your car with solar panels can benefit you if you run out of batteries.
RUNNING OUT OF BATTERY
Range anxiety can be a real drawback when off-roading with an EV and the battery runs out of charge. Therefore, solar panels and regenerative braking can help you increase the battery charge. Tesla charging stations in the UAE and electric supply companies such as DEWA and ADDC have their charging stations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which can help you charge your EV battery on time.
Since the network of EV charging stations is growing, this EV charging infrastructure will support off-roading with EVs.
ALL-ELECTRIC TRUCKS IDEAL FOR OFF-ROADING
Many automobile manufacturers have launched their EV trucks that are considered ideal for off-roading. Here are a few to be named that will arrive soon in the UAE market:
GMC HUMMER EV
Hummer is known for its exclusive off-roading performance and capabilities across the globe. GMC has already announced the launch of an all-electric Hummer, which will be soon available in the UAE market. Boasting 830 horsepower and a top speed of 300 kilometres per hour, GMC Hummer EV will have a range of more than 550 kilometres when fully charged. Besides, GMC Hummer EV will be officially launched in 2023 in the UAE.
RIVIAN R1T
R1T, an electric truck, features a four-wheel drive system and directs torque to each of the wheels with the use of individual motors, making it suitable for tough terrains. Alongside, ground clearance of around 380 mm will save the truck from bumps and stones. Moreover, the Rivian R1T has adjustable ground clearance. That said, its ground clearance drops to 200 mm on normal roads.
CADILLAC LYRIQ
With a powerful EV battery, the Cadillac Lyriq provides a substantial range of 482 kilometres on a single charge. Besides, 340 hp and 440 N-m torque alongside the 22-inch wheels don’t let you miss out on off-road adventures. The all-new Ultium battery platform ensures 50-50 weight distribution. That said, this Ultium enables a sporty and responsive drive on tough terrains. Cadillac Lyriq will be out in 2023 in the UAE and will add to the list of electric vehicles suitable for off-roading.
FORD F-150 LIGHTNING
While the fuel-powered Ford F-150 is among the top desert driving cars in the UAE, the American auto brand has launched the F-150 lightning, which is an all-electric truck. Although the Ford F-150 is not yet launched in the UAE, its features are nearly perfect for off-roading. F-150 Lightning features independent rear suspension system type, and a heavy battery pack which adjusts the centre of gravity making its handling ideal for the off-roading experience.
This was all about the features that make off-roading with EVs possible. There are certain drawbacks alongside but more advancements such as EV charging infrastructures and the availability of aftermarket parts will make EVs perfect for off-roading, given their power and torque. Since electric trucks are not yet available in the UAE and others such as Land Rover EV, Tesla Cybertruck, and Jeep Magneto 2.0 are still under production, you can explore the following used cars in the UAE suitable for off-roading:
- Used Nissan Patrol for sale in the UAE
- Pre-owned Land Cruiser for sale in the UAE
- Second-hand Range Rover for sale in the UAE
Stay connected with the UAE’s top auto blog to learn more about different driving tips and the latest automotive trends.
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