What will EV 4WDs be like in 5 or 10 years time?
Whether climate change is real or not (it is!), there is an undeniable trend away from fossil fuel vehicles, so what will EV 4WDs look like? We talk to Robert Pepper about the EV 4WD myths and possibilities.
Obviously range is going to be an issue. How will long-range trips be managed where there is nowhere to recharge? Can a 4WD recharge with panels on the roof? Will improvements in efficiency and battery power to create vehicles with 1000km range?
What about hydrogen fuel cells for 4x4s? Will the technology enable this cheap, but dangerous, fuel to provide the kind of range and power required to go offroad? Hydrogen's energy density. Diesel has an energy density of 45.5 megajoules per kilogram (MJ/kg), slightly lower than gasoline, which has an energy density of 45.8 MJ/kg. Hydrogen has an energy density of approximately 120 MJ/kg, almost three times more than diesel or gasoline. Will Hydrogen be the answer for everyone heading offroad? This is a big opportunity as we look for a solution that provides the range we need before filling up / refuelling.
I've still got an oiler, which every time I see what comes out the exhaust when I hit the accelerator, I think there has to be a better long term solution.
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Robert Pepper gives a detailed report on his Toyota LandCruiser 300 Test Drive and a test ride with the Ineos Grenadier.
What does he think of both of these vehicles? These are 2 great examples of some of the new 4WDs that are coming out to cater for the needs of real 4 wheel drivers. How are the manufacturers going in developing vehicles for the Australian bush and how do they point they way ahead as far as 4x4 vehicle trends?
What will the Ineos Grenadier be like offroad, how much will it cost and is it something we should be thinking about? Who is it aimed at?
How does the new LandCruiser 300 improve on the previous LandCruiser? How does the new engine and transmission perform?
Join the conversation about the 4x4earth podcast on the 4x4earth forum. www.4x4earth.com is Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel driving website with over 200,000 visits per month.
If you are loving 4x4earth.com, check out the 4x4earth Merch. The sales help to keep Australia's largest free and independent 4 wheel drive website and the largest Australian 4x4 Podcast! It helps us to keep on doing the work to keep tracks open.
If you want to learn more about Robert's great 4WD journalism, check out L2SFBC.