Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer just associated with city driving. As the industry evolves, many automotive manufacturers are now designing EVs that can also handle more challenging or semi off-road terrains.
This trend has made electric cars increasingly popular among those who need a vehicle for daily activities as well as outdoor adventures. For example, traveling to rural areas with dirt roads, vacationing in nature tourism spots, or exploring light rocky trails.
EVs built to support off-road driving typically have special characteristics, such as higher ground clearance, electric AWD or 4WD systems, and more flexible suspension. These specifications can be found in electric SUVs like the Chery J6 and Tiggo 8 CSH.
If you’re currently looking for an electric vehicle for this purpose, let’s take a look at some tips on choosing the right EV for light off-roading.
Tips for Choosing the Right EV for Light Off-Roading
Nowadays, more and more people are looking for electric vehicles (EVs) that can handle various types of terrain. EVs are an attractive option because they offer instant torque that is especially useful for tackling difficult terrains, while still maintaining energy efficiency and producing zero emissions. With these capabilities, electric cars provide a more versatile driving experience.
However, not all types of EVs are suitable for rough and challenging terrains. If the specifications are not designed for it, the EV you drive could be at risk of damage or even endanger safety. There are several important factors you should consider when looking for a safe EV to take on off-road trails.
Here are some tips for choosing an electric vehicle that is suitable for light off-roading:
Adequate Ground Clearance
Ground clearance—or the distance between the car’s body and the ground—is one of the most important factors when choosing an EV for light off-roading. This measurement determines how well the car can pass over rocks, dirt roads, and uneven surfaces. Electric SUVs generally have higher ground clearance compared to hatchbacks or city cars.
For light off-road paths, a minimum ground clearance of 180 mm is considered sufficient. However, a clearance of around 200–220 mm is ideal to minimize the risk of the car’s body scraping or getting stuck on the terrain.
Drivetrain System (Electric AWD or 4WD)
Standard EVs usually come with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD). While sufficient for city roads, these systems are less effective on slippery, rocky, or uphill terrains. For off-road driving, EVs with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) systems are more suitable.
An electric AWD or 4WD system distributes power to all four wheels, providing better stability and traction on slippery, rocky, or sandy surfaces. For example, if one wheel loses grip on dirt roads, the other wheels can still keep the vehicle moving safely.
Large and Durable Battery Capacity
Off-road journeys are typically far from charging facilities, making battery capacity a crucial factor to consider. For light off-road needs, it is best to choose an EV with at least a 60 kWh battery, which can cover a distance of around 300–400 km on a single charge.
Such capacity provides reliable power for long routes and demanding conditions, such as steep, winding, or uneven roads. Additionally, choose an EV equipped with a battery management system to maintain stable performance in challenging terrains.
Proper Suspension and Tires
A flexible suspension system is essential to keep the ride comfortable when driving over bumpy or rocky roads. Such suspension helps absorb shocks on different terrains. Independent suspension with long travel is generally preferred, as it can better adapt to uneven surfaces.
Tires also play a major role in off-road performance. All-terrain tires or those with deeper treads are highly recommended, as they provide stronger grip on various road surfaces. Avoid thin-profile tires, as they are more prone to damage on off-pavement routes.
Additional Safety Features
Modern EVs usually come with advanced features that can be very helpful for off-road driving. It is advisable to choose an EV equipped with features such as off-road mode, hill descent control, traction control, regenerative braking, and more. These features not only enhance safety but also reduce the driver’s workload in controlling the vehicle.
Off-road mode automatically adjusts power distribution for greater stability. Hill descent control helps maintain safe speed when going down steep slopes without the need for constant braking. Meanwhile, traction control prevents wheel slippage on slippery surfaces.
Body and Underbody Protection
Aside from technical factors, pay attention to the underbody protection of the car. EVs designed for light off-roading usually come with underbody shields to protect vital components such as the battery, electric motor, and wiring systems.
These underbody shields are typically made of metal or thick composite materials to withstand impacts from rocks, gravel, or water puddles that could damage electrical components. Additional protection around the front bumper and sides also helps minimize damage when passing through rocky terrains.
Examples of EVs Suitable for Light Off-Roading
Chery has introduced electric vehicles designed to handle light off-road terrains, namely the Chery J6 and the Tiggo 8 CSH. Both models come with powerful specifications that provide flexibility for traversing various terrains. Here’s a closer look at their capabilities:
1. Chery J6
The Chery J6 is a 4x4 electric SUV specifically designed for off-road conditions. It comes in two variants: RWD and iWD (Intelligent AWD), with the latter offering greater power. The iWD version delivers up to 279 PS with a peak torque of 385 Nm, making it reliable across different terrains.
In terms of off-road capability, the Chery J6 offers a ground clearance of 223 mm unladen and around 195 mm when loaded. It also features a water-wading capacity of up to 600 mm, along with an approach angle of 28° and a departure angle of 32°, ideal for tackling steep terrains and water crossings.
The iWD variant comes with a 69.77 kWh battery, while the RWD version is equipped with a 65.69 kWh battery. Both can cover a distance of 418–426 km (NEDC), supporting long-distance travel. The batteries are protected with IP67, IPX8, and IPX9K certifications, ensuring resistance to water immersion and high-pressure conditions.
For comfort and stability, the J6 is equipped with aluminum H-Arm suspension, paired with a MacPherson setup in the front and multi-link suspension in the rear. The SUV also comes with various advanced features, including a 540° surround camera, an ADAS system with 14 safety functions, six airbags, and more for enhanced safety.
2. Tiggo 8 CSH
The Chery Tiggo 8 CSH is a PHEV SUV powered by the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) system. While not specifically built for heavy off-roading, its robust body design, relatively high ground clearance, and smooth drivetrain make it an excellent choice for long-distance travel and semi-off-road routes.
This hybrid SUV is built on the T1X platform, which incorporates more than 78% high-strength steel. This body structure provides both stability and resistance against minor impacts. The vehicle features a ground clearance of 213 mm, enabling it to tackle rocky paths, small mounds, and water puddles.
The Tiggo 8 CSH is equipped with an 18.3 kWh Li-Po battery certified with IP68 water resistance, capable of operating under extreme temperatures. In full EV mode, it can travel up to 90 km, while in hybrid mode it extends to over 1,300 km—a combination that ensures efficiency during long trips in areas with limited charging stations.
Powered by a 1.5L turbo gasoline engine combined with an electric motor, the vehicle produces a total output of 341 hp with a peak torque of 525 Nm. This provides ample power for climbing slopes and navigating semi-off-road tracks. For safety, the SUV is equipped with 14 ADAS features, a 540° panoramic camera, 10 airbags, and more.
Here are some tips for choosing an EV suitable for off-road conditions that you can use as a guide. When selecting an electric vehicle for light off-road needs, it’s important to consider several specifications, including ground clearance, a reliable drivetrain, battery capacity, suspension, and modern safety features.
If you’re looking for an EV with light off-road capability, the Chery J6 and other Chery SUVs can be the right choice thanks to their sturdy design, powerful performance, and advanced technology. Check out the full specifications of Chery’s flagship vehicles at chery.co.id.