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
4WD new car trends with Robert Pepper [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:06
New 4WD Trends with Robert Pepper First we talk Creek Crossings - I've had my issues with Creek Crossings, but check out the video of a FJ Cruiser having issues with a crossing at Sunny Corner in NSW. Sheep Yard Flats -…
20 - The new 4WD Cap Locker from Uneek 4x4 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:35
Our resident 4WD expert Jason Lock talks about the history of the diff lock and how Uneek 4x4 has developed a new Cap Locker. We talk about the effects of a factory LSD when you fit a traditional diff lock and how the ca…
19 - 4WD tips for driving in the snow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:23
We talk about how to prepare for a trip out into the Snow. Snow driving is a lot of fun, but the conditions are very different to other types of 4 wheel driving. Snow driving is usually done in very cold environments, so…
18 - Tim Bates and the Wonnangatta Murders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:09
Tim Bates has been driving the High Country for over 25 years and he shares his experiences with some of Australia's best 4 wheel drive tracks. We talk about the Wonnangatta murders, where James Barclay and John Bamford…
17 - Roothy and the freedom to drive our tracks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34:52
We talk to Australia's most famous 4 wheel driver, Roothy. We cover Milo, the places that he has been and the mods that he has done. We also have a great chat about how to keep tracks open. We discuss one of my favorite…
16 - Common 4x4  Myths Busted [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:18
Many 4 wheel drive owners go their whole life without any formal training in going offroad or the vehicles that we use. Because of this, there are many myths about driving and our vehicles which have crept in over time.…
15 - The Blue Green fighting PTSD in the great outdoors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:37
This is a great story that looks at the way that 4 wheel driving with mates in the bush can help people struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We talk to Marcus Nash, the Founder of the Blue Green crew about how…
14 - 4 Wheel Driving with Rocket Rod from Wholesale Automatics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:13
We talk all things 4 wheel driving with Rodney Hudson, or Rocket, from Wholesale Automatics. Rodney is an iconic legend in the 4 wheel drive industry, featuring in many videos as he explores all over Australia. We also t…
13 - The future of 4WDs with Robert Pepper [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:58
What kinds of changes are going to happen to 4 wheel drives over the next 5 years? Robert Pepper is one of Australia's leading automotive journalists and is very technical. We discuss what changes are going to effect the…