I'm planning an electric off-road vehicle and I'm wondering how much the extra weight from the batteries affects the range in off-road conditions. Specifically, I'm interested in the role that suspension optimization and drivetrain efficiency play in this, and whether certain technical approaches can significantly improve range. How do you typically handle the trade-off between payload and range? What experiences have you had with similar concepts?
How does the extra weight of electric SUVs affect the off-road range?
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Yes, the extra battery weight really cuts into off-road range – in my first Citroën E-SUV project I saw roughly 12 % fewer kilometers on rough tracks. Tweaking the suspension (softer springs and lower rolling resistance) plus a well-calibrated regen system can claw back up to 15 % of that range. My compromise: balance the extra weight with lightweight body panels and keep the efficiency drive mode switched on.
My first electric off-roader added about 150 kg from the extra batteries, cutting off-road range by roughly 20 %. After lifting the dampers and tweaking tire rolling resistance, I clawed back around 5 % of that efficiency. A lighter chassis and a rain-sensor regen setup have since helped me strike a better balance between payload and range.