The latest and growing trend in the off-roading community? Off-road electric vehicles.
ELECTRIC OFF-ROAD VEHICLES
Perhaps it was inevitable that EVs would reach into the great outdoors, even the traditionally gas-centric world of off-roading.
Stereotypically not-so-sustainable with roaring exhausts, big lift kits and high-powered engines for tackling the roughest terrain possible, off-roading and outdoor enthusiasts looking to improve the experience are turning to off-road capable electric vehicles.
And to much surprise: electric vehicles offer some significant benefits to the whole rough-riding experience.
PERKS OF OFF-ROAD EVS
Power & Performance
This aspect of electric vehicles is arguably the most hotly contended, and with good reason. With the new-ness of EVs, true comparative testing in the long term is still on the horizon.
However, there are some immediately noticeable benefits to an EV in an off-road capacity regarding their power and performance:
EV motors have more torque (read: instant power delivery), frequently have individual motors on each drive wheel (making them a true AWD or 4WD) and utilize computer controlled electric motors, giving you great control and precision.
Many EVs also have incredibly high power ratings, from 426 horses all the way up to over 1,000 horsepower, making them very capable in rolling over any terrain.
When it comes to off-roading, stabilizing your vehicle in rough terrain is important in overcoming obstacles. EVs, depending on where their battery is placed, can have a lower center of gravity to aid with this.
In this same vein, EVs can have a higher ground clearance compared to ICE vehicles because there is no engine overhang and your battery can be moved higher up. As EVs become more advanced and capable, battery packs will become smaller, too.
Since EVs don’t use oil that can be contaminated by water, off-roading in water (such as river crossings) is entirely possible and relatively easy (assuming your battery is in a waterproof,sealed case, like the Jeep 4xe has). It’s pretty easy to waterproof your battery and other electrical components, so even if your EV doesn’t come moisture-prepped you can make minor adjustments to enhance your river-fording experience.
Range
You can’t talk about electric vehicles without mentioning range anxiety. Gas powered vehicles have had a foothold in the world so long that one can reliably find a gas station nearby in most parts of the country.
Things are getting better when it comes to EV charging but luckily, battery capacities are also increasing. Today’s models range from 250 to 300 miles per charge, roughly what a gas tank can offer in your typical car or SUV. Hybrid models offer even more flexibility and range, too.
Upcoming EV truck models are shooting for 300 mile ranges as a minimum, reaching to 400 miles like the Silverado EV. The Cybertruck, not to be outdone, is claiming a whopping 500 mile range per charge.
OEM Tires & Wheels
Electric vehicles are carefully designed for maximum efficiency without compromising performance, and great consideration is put into deciding stock tires for each vehicle.
This means that many EV trucks and SUVs come with OE tires and wheels that are perfect for leaving roads behind (without needing to make upgrades post-purchase). For example, the Tesla Cybertruck and the GMC Hummer EV roll off the lot in sturdy mud-terrain tires that are off-road ready, right off the lot.
Check out what makes EV tires different from regular tires!
Noise
EVs offer a “closer” feel to nature. Your electric motor is much quieter than an ICE (internal combustion engine) equivalent. You’re probably so used to hearing the background cacophony that you don’t even notice, but off-road EV drivers say they feel like they’re almost hiking!
If a major reason for you to engage in off-road play is to enjoy nature, an EV is a way to get even closer while still triumphing over challenging terrain in a seated position.
EVs are also community friendly, meaning none of your neighbors will have an issue with you revving your electric engine in the garage while you mod out your weekend warrior.
One drawback: the lack of engine noise means that road noise while on the highway will be more noticeable. Choosing a tire that’ll perform off-road may mean having to put up with increased noise on the road.
Cargo & Storage
A surprising boon to an electric motor? More storage!
In addition to your traditional trunk or truck bed, EVs typically feature an extra storage compartment under the hood (lovingly referred to as a “frunk”). This space is normally taken up by the ICE engine.
And this isn’t a small token space, either. Available capacities of EV trucks and SUVs, both available on the market now and anticipated to release within a year or two, range from 11 to 14 cubic feet.
When you’re off-roading, cargo space is a premium for all your gear so this extra benefit is warmly welcomed.
Environment & Pollution
An obvious benefit: you and your vehicle are not contributing CO2 emissions while driving or idling.
You’ll also be contributing to reduced air pollution and better public respiratory health since your vehicle won’t be burning fossil fuels. Speaking of fossil fuels: you won’t be dependent on them anymore, either!
And, you completely avoid the usual noxious fumes and smells from an ordinary ICE system. In short, your off-road EV will help you get out there and literally smell the roses.
BEST OFF-ROAD EVS & THEIR TIRES
You might be asking: what are the best off-road EVs, then? Not surprisingly, you’ll see many repeats from our Electric Pickup Truck blog, which also includes more on-road tire recommendations.
For each vehicle model, we note the OE tire and offer a few aftermarket replacement options, too. You’ll notice that most stock EV off-road aimed truck tires are all-terrains. But if you want to upgrade your electric rig’s off-road prowess, a mud tire may be a good pick. Be sure to check out our thoughts on the pros and cons of a mud-terrain versus an all-terrain tire before you make the switch.
(You can also check out our list of the best all-terrain tires for 2023!)
Our list starts with the gold-standard of off-road vehicles: the Jeep Wrangler!
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
You can't talk seriously about off-roading without mentioning the Jeep, the granddaddy of all off-road vehicles. A direct descendent of World War 2 Jeeps that had to circumvent treacherous terrain and wartime obstacles, the Jeep Wrangler is made to explore and overcome it all.
Various trims of the 4xe range from 33 inch tires to 35 inch tires on 17-20 inch wheels. The 20th anniversary wheels are pretty snazzy looking too, either bronze or black beadlock optional rims. From marketing images, it looks like you’re ready to go on the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2. We love this tire and it frequently tops tire lists, including our Overlanding Tires Guide.
Want some other replacement options? We like the Falken Wildpeak MT01 or the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT. The Falken offers a tough construction that resists punctures and tears. Heat diffusers keep the tires cool, even under load (handy for heavier EV batteries). Customers like the variable three-pitch pattern that keeps on-road noise down to the minimum. The Goodyear delivers aggressive traction in deep mud or snow and features a durable tread compound to resist damage and minimize weak points in the carcass.
The 4xe claims a 370 mile total driving range, utilizes regenerative braking and eSave Mode to you conserve your battery. It uses a 2.0L I4 direct-injection turbocharged engine and electric motor. In Electric Mode, the 4xe can run up to 21 miles (with at least more than a 1% battery charge) on pure electric charge. Hybrid mode offers the best acceleration, torque and horsepower (electric power is consumed first).
We know you like stats, so here’s some more: the Wrangler 4xe offers 375 horsepower with 470 pound-feet of instant torque, perfect for rock crawling and speed off the line. What about traction? It utilizes the industry’s first PHEV front and rear locking differentials to send power to the tires that need them the most.
The 8-speed automatic transmission works together with the waterproof sealed 17-kWh lithium ion battery pack to offer off-road thrills in dry or wet conditions up to 31.5 inches deep. Jeep has thought of everything—the electronics are sealed and waterproofed too!
Another boon: Jeep has announced that they intend to put Jeep electric charging stations on trail heads powered via solar energy!
GMC Hummer EV
Like the long-lived Wrangler of the past, the GMC Hummer EV banks on a rugged history of contemporary military Hummers trekking the wilds, but pushes things to the limit. It includes a pickup and a SUV iteration.
We know that the Hummer EV comes with a set of 35 inch tires for the AT4 trim or 33 inch tires for the Denali trim. They roll on a set of Goodyear Wrangler Territory MTs but some marketing has shown them on the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3.
When your OE tires are through, we recommend the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T for its aggressive tread, quiet on-road manners and reinforced carcass (perfect for your Hummer’s heft).
The Hummer EV is still a Hummer at heart. It’s a large vehicle with a whopping 11,500lb-ft of torque to move its 9000 lb weight. Get to 60mph in 3.3 seconds with the 1000hp tri-motor. Completely evade obstacles with its iconic Crab Walk, allowing you to drive diagonally and out of that boulder’s path.
Its rear-wheel-steering system makes low speed maneuverability pretty easy and the Extract mode raises the truck nearly 16 inches off the ground for better ground clearance. It only boasts a 7500 lb towing capacity, but you’ll get a respectable 329 miles on a full charge of its 212.7kWh battery. The EV3X option gets an estimated 355 miles. But, GMC claims that its 800 volt electrical architecture with a 350-kilowatt fast charging capability means a 100 mile range with a 10 minute charge.
The Hummer EV also includes a host of on-road driver-assistance technologies and a snazzy Infinity Roof to bring the outdoors inside. Note that due to its size, this off-roader may struggle on narrow trails.
Tesla Cybertruck
Looking like something left behind on a Mars colony, the Tesla Cybertruck will have, “Better utility than a truck with more performance than a sports car,” according to Tesla’s website.
Perhaps the most anticipated EV truck on the future market, the Cybertruck makes big promises. Its advertising highlights the truck’s versatility for both on and off-road capacities, supposedly negating the need for a daily driver. The overall theme: versatile utility. Nothing seems to be wasted or unnecessary here.
Its “exoskeleton” is made of ultra-hard 30x cold-rolled stainless steel skin that is outfitted with Tesla armor glass. Tesla claims this will offer the most in terms of protection as it will resist denting and long-term corrosion.
Besides its intriguing exterior design (minimal, 90s 3D rendered-esque we think), the stats (if true) are impressive. With 100 cubic feet of storage, roomy seating for 6, a 3,500 lb payload, 500 mile battery range and a whopping 14,000 lb towing capacity, the Cybertruck sets the bar high.
That 100 cubic feet of storage is adaptive, peppered throughout the vehicle and even lockable. The exterior bed (a standard 6.5 feet) can be secured, giving you a safe haven for your off-roading gear like coolers, camp stoves, tools and more. This is achieved via a motorized roller shutter tonneau. Bonus: this offers better aerodynamics for improved efficiency!
Speaking of tools, the Cybertruck’s on-board power inverters supply both 120 and 240 volts, so you can use power tools without a generator. Tesla claims that the Cubertruck will include an air compressor. Whether it’s for pneumatic tools or just topping off the air in your tires before hitting the road, we love this idea.
Adaptive air suspension and acceleration to 60 in 2.9 seconds is sure to intrigue any auto enthusiast. Tesla has not released any stats on the Cybertruck’s dimensions so we can’t speak to how well it will navigate trails, but it does include up to 16 inches of ground clearance with a 35 degree angle approach and 28 degree departure angle.
Tesla says the Cybertruck will come stock with 285/65R18 Goodyear tires. No model is given but from available images the tires look custom-made for the truck. It looks the most like the Goodyear Wrangler M/TR with Kevlar, a kevlar reinforced tire with excellent performance in deep mud, sand and rocks.
At this point, we’re not comfortable making aftermarket tire recommendations since Tesla likes doing things their own way. That said, a set rugged mud tires will likely be a safe bet.
Rivian
Rivian offers two electric off-road vehicles, the R1T and the R1S.
The very first battery-powered pickup truck on the market, the R1T offers stylish off-road capability from an American start-up.
Rivian partnered with Pirelli to deliver highly customized tire options. Depending on your chosen trim, your R1T comes with either the Scorpion Verde All Season, Scorpion Zero All Season or the Scorpion All Terrain.
When you’re ready to try something new, we’re always ready to point out the amazing off-road performance of the BFG KO2. We also like the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W. It prioritizes wet, wear and winter performance and has a handy heat diffuser to resist deformation and heat damage.
The R1T utilizes direct torque to each individual wheel while an air suspension system lifts or lowers the truck to adjust the ground clearance you need, all the way down to 7.9 inches for a savvy street ride or up to 14.9 inches for the trail.
It has 35.5 degree approach 30 degree departure angles, 3-foot-plus wading depth and 26.4 breakover angle. The R1T doesn’t have the best wheel offset for handling large boulders and similar obstacles but otherwise it’s very capable.
The flat undercarriage is protected by paneling and the independent suspension gives you adaptive flexibility depending on your selected drive mode. Snags and catches are minimized. It doesn’t have anti-roll bars but each axle has left and right dampers attached to a hydraulic line to give you nearly flat cornering.
And there’s more! We could go on and on about all the cargo space that makes camping, overlanding and off-roading a luxurious experience. The R1T and R1S boast securable and usable storage, perfect for adding a camp kitchen or camping gear.
All this tech allows you to rock crawl, take trails or enjoy the great outdoors with great ease.
Ford F-150 Lightning
Although it’s not a true off-road EV, the Ford F-150 Lightning has all the makings of a capable one.
The Lightning’s features make it an excellent on and off-road EV, though reviewers do note that it probably isn’t suited for difficult trails or hardcore rock crawling. With its tight turning radius, mechanical rear lockers and quiet engine, you can navigate obstacles with focus and surprising ease.
Its OEM tires are the General Grabber HTS60, offering low rolling resistance and a generous 50 to 65k-mile warranty. It’s an all-season tire that can handle gravel roads but isn’t up to snuff for serious trails. If you want to go aggressive, the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT mentioned above is great option.
We also recommend the Cooper Discoverer ATP II, which includes a 60k-mile warranty, stone ejection ledges, great traction and quiet tread. It’s the star of our Best All-Terrain Tire For Daily Driving blog!
The Lightning comes with 775 lb-ft of torque standard (regardless of trim or battery size). This torque is instant, too, making overcoming tall rocks, mud pits or gravel beds completely doable. The pedal is tuned to allow for gradual measured inputs so you have enhanced control over how you proceed.
A thick skid plate protects both electric motors and the floor-mounted battery. The truck’s low center of gravity (and near equal weight distribution) pairs beautifully with the AWD and impressive speed capacities to make for an easy, graceful drive.
With a battery range of 240-320 (depending on your battery pack option), 452-580 horsepower and a robust 10,000 lbs towing capacity, the Lightning offers the utility and flexibility that drivers, both street and off-road, really enjoy.
As previously mentioned, it probably isn’t suitable for hard or difficult trails but can handle easy to medium trails, paths or off-road worksites.
Has our list made you think about electric off-roading in your future? Whether you’ve got a traditional gas-powered engine or an electric one, we’re here for all your tire and wheel needs!
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