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Blog/Which EV Trucks Are Ideal for Off-Roading?

Which EV Trucks Are Ideal for Off-Roading?

When most of us think of electric vehicles, we probably picture sleek sports cars like the Tesla Roadster or eco-friendly utility vehicles like the Toyota Prius. While they’re valuable examples of EV technology, there are places where these cars are lacking. Most people won’t look at a Tesla and think it would make a good choice for off-roading. That’s where vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Raptor or the new Ford Bronco come to mind.

One driver found out the hard way how delicate those massive battery packs can be. He drove his Tesla Model X out onto the surface of Lake Champlain in Vermont. At some point, a rock pierced the lithium battery, causing the entire SUV to go up in flames and melt to the surface of the lake.

That’s not the experience you want to have when you’re heading off-roading. Thankfully, the technology is beginning to evolve and automotive manufacturers understand the demand for off-road-capable EVs. Are there any EVs that might be ideal for off-roading?

1. Rivian R1T

Equipping an internal combustion engine vehicle with all-wheel drive makes it easier to navigate off-road because all four wheels get torque. Electric vehicles have an advantage here because they can control each motor individually. An EV can have as few as one or as many as four motors, one for each wheel.

The Rivian R1T electric truck comes equipped with this unique take on a four-wheel-drive system, directing torque to each wheel individually as needed to navigate rough terrain.

The R1T’s air suspension system lets you lift or lower the truck, increasing the ground clearance and decreasing the chances of damaging the undercarriage or the battery pack. Increase the ground clearance to 14.9 inches for off-road navigation, or drop it as low as 7.9 inches for everyday driving.

While it doesn’t come equipped with the wheel offset that might be best for bouldering or other off-road activities, the R1T checks all the boxes when it comes to electric off-roading.

2. GMC Hummer EV

The Hummer is going electric finally! The new GMC Hummer EV is touted as the “world’s first all-electric supertruck,” as it comes in two models, the pickup truck and SUV. The GMC Hummer EV pickup dominates the terrain with revolutionary features and capabilities, while the SUV combines many of the favorites of the pickup with the versatility of an SUV. The pickup sports up to 1,000 ponies and the SUV has up to 830 hp. For the pickup, you get 350+ mile range on the electric motor and top to 300 for the SUV. These two beasts are rugged, environmentally friendly and were designed for a unique combination of innovation and convenience. So no matter how suggest your adventure gets, inside the GMC EV pickup and SUV, you’ll be comfortable no matter what!

3. Ford F-150 Lightning

The Ford F-150 might not be your first choice when it comes to taking your car off-road, but the pickup can hold its own on the trail. Can the same be said for the Lightning, the fully electric version of this iconic truck?

Unlike the Mach-E, the Lighting was built with off-roading in mind. The Lightning is the only F-150 with an independent rear suspension, making it the perfect choice for off-roading.

One benefit of EVs when it comes to off-roading is their battery packs. The heavy pack lowers the truck’s center of gravity. This is ideal for off-roading because it reduces the risk that the car might tip when navigating uneven terrain.

Taking Your EV Off-Road

Electric vehicles might not be the first choice for off-roading, but off-road EVs are beginning to hit the marketplace for those who can’t get enough of the trail but want to reduce their carbon footprint. Right now, opt for the F-150 Lightning or the Rivian R1T if you’re going to take an EV off the road. Hopefully, we’ll see more EV off-road options in the future.

No matter what EV truck you’re looking to rock on the trails, GRID Off-Road has a set of wheels for your environmentally friendly rig! Our forged GF collection or cast GD styles would look amazing on your new electric pickup. But even if you don’t have one yet, we have the best truck wheels around! Simply browse our site to see our vast off-road wheels and check out our dealer locator to go and buy some. We also offer our GD off-road rims right from our site.

 

 

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the founder and editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about cars, car trends and similar topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates.

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