EV (Electric Vehicle) 4WDs are challenging traditional off-road vehicles, raising questions for adventure seekers. As more manufacturers release electric and hybrid 4x4s for rough terrain, Australian four-wheel drive enthusiasts’ debate which technology is superior off-road.

Despite the undeniable torque advantages of electric motors, concerns about range, charging infrastructure, and reliability in remote areas persist. While traditional diesel-powered 4x4s have long dominated the Outback, electric alternatives promise instant torque delivery and potentially superior traction control systems.

For anyone considering their next off-road vehicle purchase, understanding the real-world performance differences between these technologies is essential.

Off-Road Performance: EV vs Hybrid 4WDs

When comparing performance capabilities, electric and hybrid 4WDs utilise different engineering approaches for off road situations. These approaches result in distinct characteristics that may be advantageous in certain conditions.

Torque Delivery: Instant Electric vs Engine-Driven

Electric motors deliver maximum torque at zero RPM, providing immediate pulling power without waiting for engine revs to build. This instant torque makes electric 4WDs exceptionally capable in technical terrain, especially when navigating obstacles or steep inclines. Unlike traditional vehicles, EVs don’t need low-range gearing to multiply torque, as their motors naturally provide substantial pulling power from standstill.

Hybrid 4WDs combine combustion engines with electric assistance, creating impressive torque figures. The Wrangler 4xe hybrid generates 637.2 Nm of torque—nearly double the 352.5 Nm from the standard V6 version. Meanwhile, Land Rover’s hybrid Defender delivers 297kW and 640Nm, offering breath taking overtaking acceleration.

Traction and Drivetrain: Dual Motor vs Mechanical 4WD

Electronic traction control in modern 4WDs reacts when wheels spin by applying brake pressure to redirect power. Electric vehicles take this concept further with independently controlled motors:

• EV traction systems respond up to 10 times faster than combustion equivalents
• Motors can be instantly adjusted for precise power delivery
• Electric 4WDs with four motors enable unprecedented control, including tank turn capability

In contrast, mechanical four wheel drive (4WD) systems in hybrid vehicles generally utilise conventional transfer cases or electronic couplings. Certain hybrid models incorporate advanced configurations; for instance, the Volvo XC90 T8 features an independent electric rear axle, while the Lexus RX450hL is equipped with a dedicated 50kW motor delivering 139Nm of torque to the rear wheels.

Ground Clearance and Suspension: EV vs Hybrid Setups

Battery placement is a major challenge for electric 4WDs, as packs under the chassis lower ground clearance versus combustion models. For example, the Volvo XC40 Recharge has 30mm less clearance than its petrol version.

Some electric vehicles offer notable ground clearance: the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X both have 212mm, while the Mercedes-Benz EQB has 210mm. Air suspension models like the Porsche Macan EV and Tesla Model X can adjust up to 225mm and 223mm, respectively.

Hybrids generally maintain similar clearance to their combustion counterparts, giving them an advantage in rough terrain. Moreover, EVs benefit from lower centers of gravity, potentially improving stability on angled terrain.

Water Wading and Dust Sealing: Are EVs Ready?

Despite common concerns regarding the use of electric motors in aquatic environments, these motors are, in principle, capable of operating while submerged. For example, septic sewage treatment systems routinely employ submerged electric motors that function reliably over extended periods. The Rivian R1S exemplifies this capability, offering a notable wading depth of 910mm.

Most mainstream EVs offer moderate wading capabilities—Jaguar’s I-Pace handles 500mm, equivalent to capable off-roaders, though the Ford Ranger claims 800mm. Interestingly, hybrid wading depths generally match their combustion equivalents.

The main limitation for EVs isn’t motor protection but battery and electronics sealing. Porsche limits its hybrid Cayenne variants to 250-280mm water depth (compared to 500-530mm for standard models) specifically to protect sensitive electronics.

For dust protection, EVs hold a theoretical advantage with fewer mechanical components exposed to fine particles. Without air intakes, differentials, and complex driveshafts, electric 4WDs potentially offer better long-term reliability in dusty conditions, though real world testing in Australian conditions remains limited.

Range, Refueling and Charging in Remote Areas

Range anxiety remains a critical factor for off-road enthusiasts considering an EV 4WD in Australia. The vast distances and remote nature of Australian outback travel create unique challenges for electrified vehicles.

Battery Range vs Fuel Tank Capacity

The difference in range between electric and fuel powered 4WDs is substantial. While EVs typically deliver between 600-678km on a single charge, traditional diesel 4WDs can travel significantly further. The Toyota Prado, with its 150-liter fuel capacity, can theoretically cover almost 1900km between refills. Even luxury diesel SUVs like the Audi Q5 35TDI can achieve 1458km on a single tank.

Hybrid systems bridge this gap somewhat. Conventional hybrids like the Lexus RX 350h can reach approximately 1300km between refills, while plug-in hybrids such as the BYD Sea Lion 6 offer around 1143km combined range, including up to 92km in pure electric mode.

Charging Infrastructure in the Outback

The outback charging network, currently, over 100 EV public charging stations across rural and remote Western Australia (From Mid 2024). Consequently, range planning becomes essential for EV owners. An average EV charge from near-empty takes about an hour, potentially adding significant time to long journeys.

WA Electric Vehicle Charger Map

Solar Charging and Regenerative Braking: Real-World Use

Solar charging potentially offers independence from fixed infrastructure. Portable solar systems with 6.6kW minimum capacity can effectively supplement EV charging. Innovative projects like Charge Around Australia have demonstrated using lightweight printed solar panels for off-grid charging along Australia’s coastline.

Regenerative braking contributes to range extension by recovering energy during deceleration. This technology can recover 10-20% of energy, providing thousands of additional kilometers annually. Essentially, this means partial self charging happens naturally during off road driving, particularly on descents.

Fuel Availability for Hybrids in Remote Australia

Hybrid 4WDs benefit from widespread fuel stations, ensuring easy refuelling when electric power runs out. This lets drivers cross remote Australia without worrying about range or complex planning.

Towing, Payload and Weight Considerations

Payload limitations and towing capabilities are important factors for EV 4WD Australia buyers, and may require balancing performance with practicality.

Towing Capacity: EV vs Hybrid 4WDs

The Ford Ranger PHEV currently leads with class-matching 3500kg towing capacity, whereas the BYD Shark 6 maxes out at 2500kg. This capacity gap reflects a broader trend where hybrid systems typically outperform pure EVs for heavy towing applications. Beyond raw capacity, the Ranger PHEV includes practical features like an electronic brake controller and trailer light checking system as standard.

Data from an Audi experiment indicated that towing near the vehicle’s maximum capacity roughly doubled electricity consumption in their e-Tron SUV, reducing its range from approximately 400km to about 200km. This issue is compounded by infrastructure constraints; as there are limited charging stations across Australia that support EV charging without requiring the trailer to be disconnected.

Payload and GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass): How Batteries Affect Load

Battery systems reduce payload. The Ranger XLT PHEV’s payload drops from 973kg to 553kg at max towing, while the BYD Shark 6 falls from 790kg to 540kg when towing 2500kg.

Battery packs add weight, typically ranging from 1.73 to 2.54 tons for commercial electric trucks with an energy density of about 140 kg/kWh. This additional weight decreases cargo capacity; according to one study, the cargo capacity of a truck dropped from 13.5 tons to between 10.96 and 11.77 tons depending on battery size.

Weight Distribution and Off Road Handling

Battery placement fundamentally alters weight distribution, subsequently affecting handling characteristics. This becomes especially important off-road, where:

• Higher center of gravity impacts stability on uneven terrain
• Added weight extends braking distances (adding 380kg to a typical SUV increases stopping distance from 45m to 47m at 60kph)
• Battery mass concentrated low in the chassis changes articulation dynamics

On the positive side, advanced lithium battery technology offers some weight advantages—a 105Ah AGM auxiliary battery weighs 28kg versus just 7.7kg for a 60Ah lithium unit with comparable usable capacity. Nevertheless, battery systems remain “the enemy of off-road driving” according to some experts, particularly given Australia’s strict GVM regulations.

Upcoming Models and Future Outlook

Australia’s off road market is set to change as manufacturers launch new electric 4WDs, challenging traditional diesel models.

Ford Ranger PHEV and BYD Shark: What’s Coming

The Ford Ranger PHEV, slated for mid-2025 arrival in Australia, represents a major step for mainstream utes. Powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter petrol engine paired with a 75kW electric motor, it promises 45km of electric-only range. Ford will offer this powertrain across XLT, Sport, and Wildtrak variants, plus an exclusive Stormtrak flagship. Practical features include three power outlets, one 2.3kW outlet in the cabin and two 3.45kW outlets in the bed, effectively turning the vehicle into a mobile generator.

Meanwhile, BYD has already launched its Shark 6 PHEV, which boasts impressive specs including 321kW of power and 650Nm of torque. The vehicle features a combined 800km driving range and 2,500kg braked towing capacity. With specialised terrain modes for mud, sand, and snow, the Shark 6 demonstrates how quickly Chinese manufacturers are advancing in this space.

Mercedes EQG and Other BEV 4WDs on the Horizon

The Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology (formerly EQG) is expected in Australian showrooms between October and December 2024. This electric G-Class features four motors, one on each wheel, producing 432kW and 1164Nm. Its 116kWh battery delivers 434-473km WLTP range with DC fast charging capability up to 200kW. Innovative features include the G-Turn function, allowing the vehicle to “spin” on the spot.

Other anticipated electric 4WDs include the Jeep Wrangler EV and the fully electric version of the BYD Shark, expected in 2025.

Will Diesel Electric Hybrids Become a Thing?

Toyota Australia is exploring diesel electric and petrol electric hybrids as part of its strategy to lower emissions, considering various technologies to reduce CO2, according to its head of product planning.

Currently, Toyota offers a 48-volt “V-Active” mild hybrid system with its 2.8-liter turbodiesel in the new Prado and certain HiLux variants. Unlike full hybrids, this system cannot drive vehicles under electric power alone. Given Australia’s vast distances and remote areas, diesel electric technology potentially combines long range capability with improved efficiency.

So far confirmed a 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series Hybrid is set to arrive in Australia in the first half of next year, marking a major shift in off-road vehicle electrification. It features a 3.4 litre twin turbo petrol V6 paired with a single electric motor, producing 336kW and 790Nm—significantly more power than the diesel variant.

Conclusion

Australia’s tough terrain poses challenges for both EV and hybrid 4x4s. EVs offer quick torque and advanced traction, making them capable off-road, but their shorter range (600-678km vs. nearly 1900km for diesel) and limited outback charging make remote travel difficult.

Hybrid 4WDs offer the best balance for eco friendly off-roaders, delivering strong torque and accessible fuel in remote areas. The Ford Ranger PHEV matches a 3500kg towing capacity with practical features like mobile power, while pure EVs usually lose significant range when towing.

Battery weight remains a double-edged sword for electric off-roaders. Though providing excellent low center of gravity benefits, heavy battery packs significantly reduce payload capacity and alter fundamental handling characteristics. This trade-off becomes particularly apparent under Australian GVM regulations, where every kilogram matters for touring setups.

The off-road vehicle market is expected to change as manufacturers release models such as the Mercedes G580, which features a four-motor system, and the BYD Shark, equipped with hybrid technology. Toyota’s consideration of diesel electric options also reflects an acknowledgement that Australian conditions may require solutions different from standard international models.

The choice between EV and hybrid 4x4s depends largely on intended use. Individuals who plan to drive on accessible trails may find EVs appropriate, while those undertaking longer trips into remote areas may prefer hybrids for their extended range and refuelling options. The introduction of electric vehicles has expanded the options available within Australia’s off-road sector and influenced expectations for 4×4 capabilities.

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