EVs have been known to be weaker in off road capability than their ICE counterparts in several areas, as a result of battery costs, increased weight, breakover angle limits and the relatively new concept limited beam eAxle technology available today. If you want to build what off road enthusiasts want, and you desire to separate yourselves from the Rivian, Ford, Tesla and Hummer EV lineups, then place emphasis on true off road content, well integrated with EV technology. Do not try to replace proven hardware with "fancy" software such as what GM has attempted to do with their "virtual locker" joke at the rear axle of their tri-motor setup. A combination of legacy hardware with the advanced controls and electric motor precision offered today would make an unstoppable vehicle. A halo product of sorts, from which less capable trim levels can be derived.
- Highly configurable by the aftermarket and SEMA community
- Good articulation and static ground clearance angles
- Adequate torque at each axle, since there is no transfer case to instantly send torque to axle with grip (in other words, it is not about 0-60 MPH times when all 4 wheels have grip....)
- Implement locking differentials at front and rear
- Achieve skid torque at either axle either via 2 speed gearing, or performance oriented final drive ratios
- Provide utmost cooling to prevent derate at motors in tough stall conditions such as during rock climbs
- Offer flexible drive mode options tailored to terrain
- Offer unique software features that are successfully implemented on BEVs to exploit their capabilities beyond ICE
- Easy suspension and steering upgrades that a customer can DIY
- A confident and highly developed brake traction control system not borrowed from ICE, but made unique for EVs to work directly with motor controls
- A tire lineup oriented toward traction and not range, in an industry standard size (35, 37" etc)
Build a modern version of this, with a trim level comparable to Bronco Sasquatch, but as an EV, and you will crush your competition. I would consider it unwise to rely on European "experts" to support an American off road culture. Build a core team that understands things like San Felipe 250, King of the Hammers, Johnson Valley, Anza-Borrego Park, Moab and many other iconic locations across the country.
- Highly configurable by the aftermarket and SEMA community
- Good articulation and static ground clearance angles
- Adequate torque at each axle, since there is no transfer case to instantly send torque to axle with grip (in other words, it is not about 0-60 MPH times when all 4 wheels have grip....)
- Implement locking differentials at front and rear
- Achieve skid torque at either axle either via 2 speed gearing, or performance oriented final drive ratios
- Provide utmost cooling to prevent derate at motors in tough stall conditions such as during rock climbs
- Offer flexible drive mode options tailored to terrain
- Offer unique software features that are successfully implemented on BEVs to exploit their capabilities beyond ICE
- Easy suspension and steering upgrades that a customer can DIY
- A confident and highly developed brake traction control system not borrowed from ICE, but made unique for EVs to work directly with motor controls
- A tire lineup oriented toward traction and not range, in an industry standard size (35, 37" etc)
Build a modern version of this, with a trim level comparable to Bronco Sasquatch, but as an EV, and you will crush your competition. I would consider it unwise to rely on European "experts" to support an American off road culture. Build a core team that understands things like San Felipe 250, King of the Hammers, Johnson Valley, Anza-Borrego Park, Moab and many other iconic locations across the country.
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