Even 4WD enthusiasts are now realising how good it is to go electric

The growing acceptance of electric vehicles (EVs) among four-wheel drive (4WD) enthusiasts marks a notable shift in attitudes within a traditionally conservative segment. A recent road trip in a KGM Musso EV provided an opportunity to gauge the opinions of 4WD fans, revealing a more open and curious mindset compared to just a few years ago. While the Musso EV itself may not yet rival a heavily modified 4WD due to limitations such as low ground clearance and basic traction control, it nevertheless served as a catalyst for meaningful conversations about the viability of electric utes in this community. Range anxiety and charging infrastructure remain the primary concerns for 4WD users considering the switch to electric. Despite these reservations, there is growing awareness of rapid advancements in battery technology and charging speeds, with new models offering ranges exceeding 800 kilometres and ultra-fast charging capabilities. Anecdotes shared about long-distance trips in other EVs, such as a Tesla Model 3 completing a round trip from Sydney to Canberra on a single charge, helped to challenge scepticism and highlight the practical potential of modern electric vehicles. Several factors appear to be driving this change in sentiment. Rising fuel prices, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, have made the cost of running traditional diesel and petrol 4WDs increasingly prohibitive. Additionally, the integration of renewable energy solutions like home solar panels and lithium-ion battery systems into outdoor lifestyles has familiarised many 4WD users with electric technology. This has fostered a growing appreciation for the benefits of EVs, especially when combined with portable solar power for extended off-grid travel. Looking ahead, the prospect of combining electric 4WDs with solar energy systems opens up exciting possibilities for sustainable exploration. Although current solar panel technology and storage capacity impose practical limits on how quickly vehicles can recharge in remote locations, the idea of near-indefinite, zero-emission travel is gaining traction. This vision of “Martian style” journeys across vast landscapes without reliance on fossil fuels could transform the way enthusiasts approach off-road adventures in the near future.