Is an EV Gladiator Better Off-Road Than a Traditional Gas Jeep - Let's Find Out! [TFL]

[sharpsicle]

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[Moe-Jave]

Not even close. Our power grid can't even handle extra a/c units in the summer without rolling black outs. There was a shipping company looking to switch to EV for local deliveries. They called the local power company and found out the power they need was denied as it was 3 Time the power use on the whole grid already. Just look trains electric motors it's a great example on how much energy is spent to power electric motors.

I think where we live dictates that. Because it is true that we have power issues, it does not mean we cannot also have examples where EVs also work for *some*. Yes, this is a very hot topic! I don't have a need to covince anyone -- like it or not, it is here and growing. Again, our government also has a strong opinion on the matter (some good and some bad stuff there -- just like every topic!).

Even modern plug-in hybrids help advance this technology as a platform. I'm on record saying I generally do not prefer the added complexity that is involved with doing BOTH, but it is beneficial longer term. Still, such hybrids will only be a historical footnote later...

Also think of the other industries that made this leap a long time ago. Some trains, boats, mining equipment and related often use hybrid power plants or have gone full-electric (and work very well in that capacity). It really is a matter of time. Think of other examples of where the public infrastructure isn't quite ready but progressive influences still happen that don't appear to work today. It does not have to be democratic to win out.

Note: Many offset the additional power draw of charging an EV by using solar panels/batteries. As mentioned, I live off-grid from a utilities perspective and have ample surplus power for one or more electric vehicles. Clearly, not everyone can have an EV today. Just like everyone can't own 40 acres of land or more!

 

[Dickster]

I guess they are technically off road right?

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cargo-...vehicle-battery-north-sea-freemantle-highway/

 

[Dickster]

I think where we live dictates that. Because it is true that we have power issues, it does not mean we cannot also have examples where EVs also work for *some*. Yes, this is a very hot topic! I don't have a need to covince anyone -- like it or not, it is here and growing. Again, our government also has a strong opinion on the matter (some good and some bad stuff there -- just like every topic!).

Even modern plug-in hybrids help advance this technology as a platform. I'm on record saying I generally do not prefer the added complexity that is involved with doing BOTH, but it is beneficial longer term. Still, such hybrids will only be a historical footnote later...

Also think of the other industries that made this leap a long time ago. Some trains, boats, mining equipment and related often use hybrid power plants or have gone full-electric (and work very well in that capacity). It really is a matter of time. Think of other examples of where the public infrastructure isn't quite ready but progressive influences still happen that don't appear to work today. It does not have to be democratic to win out.

Note: Many offset the additional power draw of charging an EV by using solar panels/batteries. As mentioned, I live off-grid from a utilities perspective and have ample surplus power for one or more electric vehicles. Clearly, not everyone can have an EV today. Just like everyone can't own 40 acres of land or more!

They said using paper bags were bad for the environment and we need to switch to plastic bags. 30 years later here we are banning plastic going back to paper and more recyclables. EVs are here but until the tech really changes and develop more It's the next plastic bag.

 

[Silverator]

I will consider switching to an EV truck when :

- The range increases
- The tow specs increase
- The price gets competitive
- We have enough electricity to actually power HOMES first
- Rolling blackouts stop
- I have enough solar power to "fill up" every day or two

Until then....keep trying.

 

[SpeedNeed]

Won’t be long until these pages are filled with EV off-road stuff:

- Which supplemental batteries fit under the tonneau cover!?
- Which off- road trailer best combines gear and “home base” battery!?
- Who makes the toughest truck-to-truck charge sharing cord?
- Electric jacks: built in’s vs. portables
- “Broke a wheel off..but winched my way 20 miles back to camp!”
-“ … I had to turn back when my RTT air conditioner broke.”
- 65” LED vs. Projector,,which is best for movies In the wild?
- MOPAR vs. ARB: who makes the toughest cappucino machine?
- Modded my tailgate to double as a 2 ton lift
- Will 37’s fit? (That one will never go awayL)

 

[Moe-Jave]

They said using paper bags were bad for the environment and we need to switch to plastic bags. 30 years later here we are banning plastic going back to paper and more recyclables. EVs are here but until the tech really changes and develop more It's the next plastic bag.

Okay, nothing like the use of false analogy to make a point! I get it, and again, not trying to convince you.

 

[Dickster]

Okay, nothing like the use of false analogy to make a point! I get it, and again, not trying to convince you.

Not a fake analogy it's just the nature of our history. We push a new agenda and force it on people to the point it becomes the next best thing. Doesn't matter what the analogy, were just quick to adopt the next thing as superior until it's not. I am not say petroleum is the best or here to stay just simply saying this generation of EV is not the answer.

 

[Moe-Jave]

Not a fake analogy it's just the nature of our history. We push a new agenda and force it on people to the point it becomes the next best thing. Doesn't matter what the analogy, were just quick to adopt the next thing as superior until it's not. I am not say petroleum is the best or here to stay just simply saying this generation of EV is not the answer.

I'll bring it home. The video is interesting and provocative. I drive a gasoline Gladiator and love it. We are in the golden/final age of IC engines. Some of the best examples ever made, exist right now. Still, I can't wait for a fully sorted electric version! I bet that's soon (less than five years).

 

[montechie]

Awesome, love seeing the amount and variation of innovation going on. TFL just had a classic Bronco with an EV drop-in that was interesting. It was an early experiment and had some mixed results with its gearing, but still interesting in their specific approach. Specifically I like renewed interest in swapping power plants in older vehicles.

With this Gladiator, I wonder where they stuck the battery? Bed, engine bay, or where the gas tank was? With dedicated electric vehicles, the handling superiority can't be denied. I rode in a BMW M55 electric sedan and had to turn my fear response off at how well it handled over even a mid-engine ICE. It was unreal, like comparing a gas sports sedan to a horse and buggy. The cornering was scary good. I wonder how much of a dual battery you could squeeze in the stock fuel tank location and where you typically throw a secondary extended LRA tank. Even with a weight increase, if you can lower your center of gravity that low it would make for some excellent handling on and off road.

 

[sharpsicle]

Not a fake analogy it's just the nature of our history. We push a new agenda and force it on people to the point it becomes the next best thing. Doesn't matter what the analogy, were just quick to adopt the next thing as superior until it's not. I am not say petroleum is the best or here to stay just simply saying this generation of EV is not the answer.

I see you #1 don't know how analogies are supposed to work and #2 don't know how innovation and development work in tandem with market presence.

Today's gas engines are not the same as those from decades ago. Nor will today's electric vehicles be the same as those decades from now. Very short sighted of you to suggest we don't use what we have even though it's the necessary stepping stone to where we want to be.

 

[Moe-Jave]

Awesome, love seeing the amount and variation of innovation going on. TFL just had a classic Bronco with an EV drop-in that was interesting. It was an early experiment and had some mixed results with its gearing, but still interesting in their specific approach. Specifically I like renewed interest in swapping power plants in older vehicles.

With this Gladiator, I wonder where they stuck the battery? Bed, engine bay, or where the gas tank was? With dedicated electric vehicles, the handling superiority can't be denied. I rode in a BMW M55 electric sedan and had to turn my fear response off at how well it handled over even a mid-engine ICE. It was unreal, like comparing a gas sports sedan to a horse and buggy. The cornering was scary good. I wonder how much of a dual battery you could squeeze in the stock fuel tank location and where you typically throw a secondary extended LRA tank. Even with a weight increase, if you can lower your center of gravity that low it would make for some excellent handling on and off road.

They made a brief mention of that and simply said "between the frame rails". When I saw the video, I immediately thought it was a natural platform based on how I'd try to retrofit such a platform. It makes sense to me and can see where some might buy a kit like this when they have to consider a major engine repair or similar. It might even be nice for ranchers and those that don't need it as a daily driver (think bigger utility SxS idea)...

 

[Dickster]

I see you #1 don't know how analogies are supposed to work and #2 don't know how innovation and development work in tandem with market presence.

Today's gas engines are not the same as those from decades ago. Nor will today's electric vehicles be the same as those decades from now. Very short sighted of you to suggest we abandon what we have even though it's the necessary stepping stone to where we want to be.

Every battery used in EV on the market is very hard to recycle and the cost is astronomical. the mining if very bad and has to have a lot of oversight or be very hazardous. The amount of water used to make the batteries and waste create from manufacturing is not a good off set. The life span on the batteries are not where they need to be for a good alternative. I never said abandon anything thanks for putting the words in my mouth. I simply said the current EV status is far from taking anything over.

 

[Toro34]

I

im just waiting to see an EV off-road….

I'm interested in seeing how much of a difference some bigger tires and additional payload effect the range/ability

For those interested in stock height and tires, the potential is definitely there. I haven't really done much research into the JL 4xE when adding bigger tires

 

[Rahkmalla]

EVs really only have one major problem for me: no clutch. And with all the EV makers out there working on "one pedal driving" as a feature, and to my knowledge the only EVs on the market that actually have a (2 speed automatic) transmission being the Porsche Taycan and Audi eTron GT... the future doesn't look bright for those of us who enjoy a more engaging drive.

The lone bright spot is the Jeep Magneto concept, which was pure BEV with a 6 speed manual complete with clutch pedal. But that was definitely more a "proof of concept" car than a pre-production concept car.

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