Summary
- Off-roading in gas-powered vehicles presents a paradox due to environmental impact and noise pollution
- Electric vehicles offer a more environmentally friendly option for off-roading
- EVs provide simpler drivetrains with fewer opportunities for leaks and less pollution
- While EV off-roading may not solve all environmental issues, it offers quieter and smoother experiences in nature
- The future of off-roading will likely shift towards EVs for a better and more sustainable experience
Article
In 2022, the author is exploring Joshua Tree National Park in an old Lexus LX470, leaving a trail of black CV axle grease. In 2025, while in Anza Borrego State Park, the author’s Chevy Tahoe loses its coolant, leaving a toxic orange trail in its wake. Two weeks later, in Cleveland National Forest, the author is in a Mercedes G 580 With EQ Technology, navigating the trails with a quieter, electric vehicle that treads more gently on the environment. The author reflects on the cognitive dissonance of off-roading, loving nature while driving big, gas-guzzling trucks.
The author acknowledges the paradox of off-roading, where enjoying nature often requires driving vehicles that harm the environment. Despite efforts to be good stewards of the land, off-roaders cannot navigate forests without causing some ecological damage. While the most sustainable action would be to avoid traveling altogether, the author finds it difficult to resist the allure of exploring nature up close. The author grapples with the dilemma of parting with their gas-guzzling Tahoe for more eco-friendly electric alternatives, which are currently expensive and lack charging infrastructure in remote areas.
The author argues that while EV off-roading does not fully resolve the environmental impact of the hobby, it represents a step towards a better alternative. EVs produce less CO2 emissions, have simpler drivetrains, and do not emit harmful pollutants into the environment. Despite the production challenges of EVs, the author believes that choosing the lesser of two evils is necessary to preserve the environment for future generations. The author acknowledges that adopting EVs for off-roading is not a perfect solution but a better one in the current context.
In addition to the moral implications of off-roading paradox, the author highlights the practical benefits of electric off-roading. Electric vehicles offer a quieter and more serene driving experience, allowing drivers to appreciate the sounds of nature without the intrusive noise of a gas engine. The seamless crawling and precise control of EV trucks provide a smoother off-road experience, without the need to run through high revs or rely on complex torque-vectoring setups. EVs also offer fault tolerance and reliability, with multiple motors reducing the risk of being stranded due to mechanical failures.
The author envisions a future where electric off-roading becomes more accessible and offers exciting possibilities for off-road enthusiasts. While acknowledging that gas-powered options currently dominate the niche off-roading market, the author encourages enthusiasts to consider the potential benefits of EVs, such as improved maneuverability, torque capabilities, and environmental impact. As EV technology continues to evolve and become more affordable, the author believes that the off-roading community will eventually embrace electric vehicles as a superior alternative for exploring nature. The author concludes that the future of off-roading with EVs holds promise for a more sustainable and enjoyable experience.
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