Embarking on an eco-friendly adventure no longer means compromising on thrill and performance, thanks to the latest advancements in electric off-road vehicles. The year 2024 heralds a new era of sustainable exploration with a lineup of electric off-roaders that promise to deliver unmatched power, durability, and environmental stewardship. From the rugged terrains to the untamed wilderness, these electric marvels are engineered to conquer the great outdoors, offering a blend of innovation and adventure for the eco-conscious thrill-seeker.
#1 Rivian R1T
Oh, the Rivian R1T? It’s a beast of an electric truck that’s really shaking things up. You know, trucks have always been about muscle and might, but Rivian’s adding a whole new layer with electric power. They say it can practically climb walls with its 14.9 inches of ground clearance and wade through rivers over three feet deep. Imagine taking that on a camping trip!
Each wheel’s got its own electric motor, which is pretty neat because it can throw power around to wherever it’s needed most. Stuck in mud? No problem. The R1T can dig itself out by spinning just the right wheels. And the power? It’s got 835 horsepower and more than 900 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough oomph to leave most cars in the dust, zipping from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds. But let’s be honest, using this thing just to zip around town feels like a bit of a waste. It’s when you’re off the beaten path that the R1T really comes into its own. It’s like it’s saying, “Who needs roads?”
#2 GMC Hummer EV
So, have you heard about the new electric Hummer? Yeah, the “ultimate off-road EV supertruck” they’re calling it. This thing is a monster—eighteen feet long, over six feet tall, and more than seven feet wide. It’s like they decided to turn a battleship into a truck and then make it run on electricity.
And it’s not just big in size. The power? Absolutely nuts. It’s got 1,000 horsepower thanks to three electric motors, and the torque is through the roof—11,500 lb-ft. They’re saying it can go about 350 miles on a charge, which sounds pretty decent for something the size of a small house.
But here’s the kicker for anyone who loves going off the beaten path: it’s got these massive 37-inch tires and a “CrabWalk” feature. Yeah, the wheels can turn together so it can move diagonally. Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? Imagine slipping through tight spots on a trail like… well, like a crab, I guess.
GM’s also saying this beast can wade through over 600mm of water and climb over 18-inch vertical obstacles. Basically, if a giant Alsatian were a car, it would be the Hummer EV. Honestly, trying to find something this thing can’t handle might be the real challenge. It’s definitely setting a high bar for what electric trucks can do off-road.
#3 Fisker Force E
It’s called the Ocean Force E, and it’s pretty much an adventure on wheels. Picture this: it takes the Ocean SUV, which is already cool with its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup, and then beefs it up for the wild.
They threw on 20-inch reinforced wheels and wrapped those in 33-inch tires that look like they could crush anything in their path. And for those worrying about scraping the belly on rough terrain, there’s this full-length titanium plate underneath, plus skid plates at both ends. So yeah, this thing’s not afraid of a little off-road action.
The inside’s got some neat touches too. Rubber floor mats—because let’s face it, adventures can get messy. There are extra handles all over the place, so you can hang on tight when things get bumpy. And if you’re hauling gear, there are more spots to secure it down. Pretty thoughtful, right? Sounds like Fisker’s Ocean Force E is ready to take on just about anywhere you dare to go.
#4 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
A Porsche making its way into the off-road EV conversation seems a bit out of left field. But stick with me here because the Taycan Cross Turismo isn’t just a Taycan with a bit of a lift and extra space for your groceries. It’s got some tricks up its sleeve that could genuinely make it a contender when the pavement ends.
First up, yes, it’s got that rugged look going for it with some plastic body armor that screams “I can handle more than a speed bump.” But the real magic happens with its adaptive air suspension. This thing has a Gravel mode. Yeah, Porsche went and gave it a setting that jacks up the ride height and tweaks how the power hits the ground, making sure you keep moving even when things get slippery.
Ollie Marriage over at Top Gear took it through a rally stage to really see what it’s capable of, and let’s just say it wasn’t just for show. This car can genuinely take on some rough stuff and come out smiling on the other side.
Aside from its off-road flair, it’s pretty much the Taycan we’ve all started to fall in love with. Fast, sleek, and now with a bit of an adventurous spirit. Who knows? Maybe Porsche will keep pushing this envelope. An all-electric 911 Dakar, anyone? Now that would be something to see.
#5 Jeep Recon
The Jeep Recon’s on the radar, and it’s shaping up to be something special. Picture it borrowing a bit of that Wrangler magic, with some modern twists for the electric era—think skies and landscapes with no roof or doors in the way. It’s equipped for tough terrain with its 4WD, high clearance, and those shortened overhangs, making it less likely you’ll be calling for a tow—though those eye-catching blue tow hooks are there, just in case.
As for what’s under the hood, or rather, under the floor, the full details on the electric guts are still a mystery. We’re hearing hints of hefty battery packs, promising ample juice for those who like to wander far. Europe’s got a date with the Recon in late 2024. Keep an eye out; this one’s going to be interesting.
#6 Munro MK_1
Have you heard about the Munro MK_1? It’s this rugged electric beast coming straight out of Scotland. It’s stepping into the ring with the likes of the electric Defender, and it’s not holding back.
This thing is a beast off-road. We’re talking about a ground clearance that’s nearly half a meter—yeah, you heard that right—plus it can tackle slopes like a mountain goat with its crazy approach and departure angles. And for those who fancy a bit of a swim, it can wade through water up to 800mm deep. Inside, it’s all business and no-nonsense. The interior? Waterproof, so you can just hose it down after a muddy day out. And the cargo area’s got this tough plywood flooring that’s ready for whatever you throw at it.
Price-wise, it kicks off at £49,995 before VAT. For that, you’re looking at a ride that can hit up to 141 miles on a charge, powered by a 295bhp electric motor that’s pushing out 443lb ft of torque, all backed by a 61.2kWh battery. Plus, they’re saying this thing is built to last 50 years.
#7 Mercedes-Benz EQC 4×4²
Back in 2020, Mercedes-Benz decided to blow our minds with a version of its EQC electric SUV that seemed straight out of a sci-fi movie. They called it the EQC 4×4² – yeah, “squared.” If you’ve seen it, you know it’s not your average electric SUV. Those flared wheel arches alone make a statement, not to mention it’s like it’s on stilts!
Underneath all that flair, it’s still got the EQC heart – think 200+ miles of range, a 408bhp electric motor, and an 80kWh battery. But, this beast stands twice as tall as the regular EQC, thanks to portal axles, and it’s kitted out with 20-inch off-roading tires. These upgrades mean it can handle just about any terrain with ease, and they’ve even tweaked the power delivery to make sure you can make the most out of every off-road adventure.
As of now, this electric monster remains a one-of-a-kind experiment (though Mercedes is working on an electric G-Class, which is pretty exciting). But, get this – TG’s Tom Ford actually took this beast up a mountain in Italy. Curious about how that went and if he managed to get it stuck? There’s a whole adventure waiting behind those blue words.
#8 Nissan Ariya (Pole to Pole)
The Nissan Ariya is typically more at home on city streets than rugged trails, but this particular Ariya is far from typical. It’s been tricked out for an epic journey by Chris and Julie Ramsey, a duo aiming to cover some 17,000 miles from the North to the South Pole. Yeah, that’s not your average road trip.
While the guts of this Ariya—the powertrain and battery—are untouched, the rest of the vehicle is seriously beefed up for the challenge. Picture this: the SUV sporting plastic arch extensions, towering on long travel suspension, and rolling on huge 39-inch off-road tires. But wait, there’s more—a drone launcher up top for capturing every moment of their adventure, and, perhaps most crucially, a coffee machine in the trunk. Because, let’s face it, what’s an adventure without good coffee?
Now, given the, let’s say, sparse charging opportunities along their route, the Ramseys aren’t just relying on the car’s battery. They’re bringing along a portable renewable energy unit, equipped with a wind turbine and solar panels. Talk about being prepared. This sounds like the ultimate setup for anyone who loves camping—or, you know, driving from one end of the earth to the other.
