Track 58 - 4WD Electric Myths - What kind of EV 4WDs will we be driving in 5 years time?

Track 58 - 4WD Electric Myths - What kind of EV 4WDs will we be driving in 5 years time?

Author: James Eling | Amateur Off Roader, unorganised camper and very poor fisherma December 1, 2021 Duration: 37:30

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.

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.

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For more information on Robert Pepper, check out L2SFBC.

 


There’s a certain kind of freedom found down a dirt track, beside a remote campsite, or at the edge of a quiet river. 4x4 Earth-The 4WD, Camping, Fishing and Outdoors podcast. is about finding that freedom, without pretending to be an expert. Hosted by James Eling-a self-described amateur off-roader, unorganised camper, and very poor fisherman-this podcast feels more like a conversation with a mate who’s just as eager to learn as you are. You’ll hear genuine explorations of four-wheel driving, from vehicle mods and recovery techniques to navigating those hidden tracks. The discussion naturally extends to what happens after you’ve stopped the engine: the bush cooking, the often-humorous attempts at fishing, and the simple art of enjoying a place most people never see. It’s a practical guide that prioritises safety and respecting the environment, ensuring the adventures remain sustainable. Tune in for a down-to-earth blend of stories, hard-won tips, and the shared curiosity that turns a trip into a proper expedition. This podcast is for anyone who believes the journey and the destination are equally important.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

4x4 Earth - The 4WD, Camping, Fishing and Outdoors podcast.
Podcast Episodes
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30 - The history and access to the Canning Stock Route [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:23
Between 1,500 and 2,000 a year do the Canning Stock Route. What is there to see and what is there to do when travelling the CSR. We talk with Canning Stock Route expert, Phil Binachi about the activities and attractions…
29 - The History of the Canning Stock Route with Phil Bianchi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:28
Phil Bianchi is a historian and 4 wheel driver who has documented a lot of history of the Canning Stock Route and he has driven the route many times. From Wiluna to Halls Creek, it runs 1850 kms and was first surveyed in…
28 - Is Diesel Dead? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:27
We talk to Robert Pepper about the future of Diesel engines in 4 wheel drives. My last 3 4WDs have had diesel engines and I have loved the economy and reliability of diesels. Vehicle emissions have become increasingly un…
27 - Why Caravans Crash [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:53
We talk to Mike Clayton from Clayton's Towing. Started 45 years ago on the Sunshine Coast, Clayton's now has 15 depots and 100 staff. Have a listen to this podcast if you ever tow a caravan, there are a lot of factors th…
25 - New 4WDs for 2017 with Robert Pepper [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:40
We talk to Robert Pepper about the new 4x4s coming onto the Australian market in 2017. There is the Mercedes X Class, JL Wrangler, the new Defender, the L472 Land Rover Discovery. We also have an update on the MA/MC issu…
24 - Exploring the Aberfeldy Track with Rudy Paoletti [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:20
We talk to Rudy Paoletti, organiser of Navruns, map and book publisher, explorer and champion of the history of the Aberfeldy Track. We are discussing the future of 4x4earth, so please have your say on the forum. We are…
22 - 4WD Insurance and Roadworthies with Kalen from Club 4x4 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:16
Check out the trip report from the 9th Annual Victorian Gathering. A great We talk with Club 4x4 Insurance. 4x4earth has worked with Kalen from Club 4x4 and we are now recommending Club 4x4. Check out the link to our ins…