The Best Electric Cars for All-Terrain Driving
Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a departure from the norm for gasoline-powered automobiles. Typically, you'll find that most combustion-based vehicles are two-wheel drive. Significant advantages are evident, however, when it comes to 4WD power for electric cars. It's way less complex to have an electric car be 4WD compared to a traditional vehicle, as the size-efficiency of electric motors is much better.
Due to having greater traction; 4WD's are better suited to weather that we actually experience on a regular basis. Snow, ice, and rain are all better handled by 4WD vehicles. Not to mention that the additional traction allows the vehicle's speed to scale faster on offroad terrain (terrain outside of normal pavement or roads).
Traditionally when you think of 4WD, you also think of 'fuel consumption. Clearly, when you're in an electric vehicle you don't consume any fuel. Therefore, the downside to these all-terrain vehicles is eliminated. But do they use more power than normal electric vehicles? So far, due to the efficiency and torque involved in electric motors; there is actually very little difference in power consumption compared to smaller, road-based electric vehicles.
It's important to know where to look, considering how quickly major car brands are developing new electric vehicles.
So, we have taken a hard look at what's on offer this year and provided a handy guide to what you can see rolling up a trail near you!
Audi
This year, Audi has the new model of the e-Tron on the market which is a fantastic option for an electric 4WD. The new, Q4 e-Tron is sleep and noticeably more flash than previous models. There is a huge improvement in the quality of basically all aspects of the vehicle, making it not only a much cheaper option than previous models, but a fantastic 4WD to check out in 2022. Audi is keeping up pace with other brands for 4WD electric vehicles, but BMW isn't far behind.
BMW
Take a good look at this fantastic design, because you'll be seeing a lot of similar models in the future! The gorgeous new BMW iX is taking the market by storm with its new design which is said to be spanning their future range of electric models. The model has two electric motors which allow the car to travel from 0-60mpH in under five seconds. Not only does it look good, but it delivers on its promises of challenging the Tesla Model X. It's an exciting time to be following electric vehicles as the competition is clearly driving better and better consumer products to become available!
Porsche
Porsche is bringing the heat when it comes to electric vehicles & what can you say about the Taycan Cross Turismo? Except wow…
This is a prime example of the power available with some of these new electric vehicles. The most powerful of this vehicle has an incredible 751bhp which allows it to drive an incredible time of 0- 62mph in under 3 seconds
This jaw-dropping ferocity is sure to persuade some of the more 'stubborn' of us car lovers, to start enjoying the new technology in our awesome sport! Using the same drivetrain as its sibling model but is limited to 4WD which guarantees some serious power.
Don't be fooled by its fancy brand and looks. This beast features the new Porsche suspension management system to give it that little extra edge off-road. So, this is a great option to consider if you're looking for an all-terrain electric 4WD.
Jaguar
Power, flexibility, handling. The new Jaguar i-Pace has it all! What gives it an edge? There's an electric motor on each axle so that no matter what terrain you encounter, you've got the best chances possible to be in control!
The only downside would be the lack of ground clearance compared to that of traditional models, but we have some confidence that its performance will make up for that. Despite being a car capable of some serious 4WD, it still has the ability to go from 0-62mph in under 5 seconds! You definitely get your moneys worth as always, from Jaguar this year.
Mercedes
Luxury takes hold in a refreshing new way inside the EQC SUV by Mercedes. If you're looking for some pulling power in an electric vehicle; this beast takes on 1,800kg of towing to get your gear where you need it. It may not have the same off-road ability as other cars, but the huge driving range and sheer comfort of this vehicle put it easily into the list of top electric vehicles for 2022.
Hyundai
If you're a lover of Hyundai's vehicles, then the new Ioniq 5 is going to be a nice pick to inspect! Only the top versions are 4WD but with a range of over 300 miles, it still stops the charts for this year! There are heaps of technology in this model and the electric motors pack a punch. Even if you don't get the same all-terrain ability with all models, it's still certainly with checking out the Ioniq 5!
Tesla Model Y
Tesla has been on the front page of electric vehicles and today, are some of the most easily identifiable vehicles on the road. This is no exception, bringing some good, old-fashioned practicality with it. With two variants available that favour either performance or range; the Model Y is a fantastic option on the 2022 electric market. The key feature this year, is that the Model Y has some of the best charging times yet.
The rapid charge has the ability to charge the battery from 0% to 80% in under 36 minutes. Tesla supercharging stations are becoming more popular too so that more users can have access to these speedy charge times. This is a fantastic edge for Tesla to have, and it will also drive future progress for charging times! Overall, the Tesla Model Y is a fantastic option to consider when selecting an electric 4WD in 2022.
Skoda
Skoda is a fantastic brand and very well-known on the electric market. This year, they have the new Enyaq iV SUV out in either 4WD or 2WD. Another competitor of Tesla in charge times, Skoda offers a rapid charge from 10-80% in 40 minutes when upgraded with an additional upgrade package which is an optional install.
The design is also really nice and very sleek for an electric car. Even the interior is pretty cocooned and well-protected from the outside world. So overall it's a really premium feel with this vehicle and certainly worth hitting up Skoda to find out more! If you weren't taken by the comfortable, soft seating & interior design; then you're going to be seriously impressed after you check out the boot. With a capacity of 585 liters, you'll have no trouble using your Enyaq iV for transporting goods.
There are plenty of other competitors to these brands, but we think these are some of the best choices for all-terrain vehicles in 2022. It's important to pick the right vehicle for what you're doing, but there are plenty of electric vehicles that can get you just about anywhere!
We hope you enjoyed this roundup of the best electric cars for offroad driving in 2022!
Whether you're looking for a luxurious Mercedes or a long-range Hyundai, there's definitely something for everyone on this list. Keep an eye out for other new models coming out this year and be sure to get in touch with your favourite brands to find out more information. Thanks for reading!