Powertrain Differences: EV vs. ICE
The heart of any vehicle is its powertrain—the system that delivers energy to the wheels. ICE vehicles burn fuel in an engine, producing mechanical power that’s routed through transmissions and differentials. They can carry large amounts of energy in a compact form (gasoline or diesel), and refueling takes only minutes.
EV Power
EVs, however, rely on high-voltage batteries and electric motors. They store energy chemically in large packs and deliver it as electricity to the wheels. This setup is highly efficient and produces instant torque without the need to rev or shift gears. EVs excel at technical terrain because of their smooth and precise power delivery.
Still, ICE vehicles retain an advantage in endurance. Carrying extra gas is easy, while EVs cannot simply strap a spare battery to the roof. Off-roaders must understand this trade-off before committing to trails with an EV.