TRAIL GUIDE 05 · VEHICLE CHOICE
Start with clearance, wheelbase, and tires.
No EV is best for every trail. Choose a vehicle for the roads, chargers, and remote conditions that you will use.
First check that the vehicle fits the road. Then check the range.
Start underneath
Check clearance at vulnerable parts. Check approach angle, departure angle, wheelbase, tires, recovery points, protection, spare tire, and payload.
On a narrow road, width and turning radius can matter more than power. In sand, tires and heat control can matter more than acceleration.
Then study the charging trip
Use your real highway and cold-weather range. Do not use only the advertised maximum. Check the charging networks, adapters, software, and activation steps that the vehicle needs.