The ultimate showdown: EV vs ICE in the Australian Outback
Australia’s outback and rugged terrain have long been the domain of diesel and petrol 4WDs. From the Toyota LandCruiser to the Nissan Patrol, these internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles have earned their place as kings of the bush. But with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs)—including upcoming electric utes and trucks from Tesla, Rivian, Ford, and even local players—the question is real:
Can electric trucks truly replace diesel and petrol vehicles for overlanding and off-grid exploration in Australia?
Let’s break it down.
The Case for Electric Trucks in the Aussie Bush
Instant Torque and Performance
EVs offer instant torque, which is ideal for crawling, hill climbs, and rough terrain. In fact, electric drivetrains often outperform traditional 4WDs in technical off-road situations thanks to:
- Precise throttle control
- Fewer mechanical parts to fail (no transmission, no gears)
- Regenerative braking for downhill control
This makes vehicles like the Rivian R1T or Tesla Cybertruck potential beasts on sand dunes, fire trails, and rocky slopes.
Lower Maintenance
Electric trucks have fewer moving parts. That means:
- No oil changes
- No belts, spark plugs, or transmission issues
- Less downtime and fewer repairs over time
For remote overlanders, this can be a game changer—fewer chances of breakdown in the middle of nowhere.
Power Your Camp
Electric trucks double as power stations. The Rivian and Cybertruck offer onboard AC outlets, meaning you can run:
- Fridges
- Lights
- Coffee machines
- Power tools
- Even charge other EVs or devices
You also get silent camp setups—no noisy generators, and no fumes.
Environmental Impact
This is a no-brainer. EVs have zero tailpipe emissions, meaning cleaner air, no diesel soot, and a lower carbon footprint—especially important in eco-sensitive zones like Cape York, Fraser Island, or Tasmania.
With the push toward net-zero emissions, the writing is on the wall: electric is the future.
Solar Charging Potential
In off-grid scenarios, solar becomes a real asset. While slow, solar charging is possible for EVs. With the right portable solar setup and plenty of sunshine (Australia has no shortage), you may not need a fuel station at all—just time and planning.
The Case for Diesel & Petrol 4WDs (Internal Combustion Engines)
Range, Refuelling Speed, and Remote Access
This is where ICE vehicles dominate:
- You can drive 1,200km+ on a single tank (with long-range tanks)
- Refuelling takes minutes
- Fuel is available almost everywhere, even in remote roadhouses and cattle stations
EV charging stations, especially DC fast chargers, are almost non-existent in the Outback. If your EV runs out of juice 300km from the nearest town, you're stranded.
Proven Reliability
Diesel 4WDs have decades of field testing in the harshest terrain on Earth. LandCruisers, Hiluxes, and Patrols have survived:
- Desert heat
- River crossings
- Corrugation hell
- Mud, dust, and abuse
You’ll find mechanics and spare parts for these trucks in tiny towns across the country—you won’t find an EV-certified tech in Birdsville.
Towing Capacity & Heavy Loads
Diesel engines are still the go-to for towing:
- Heavier payloads
- Better fuel efficiency under load
- Proven performance with camper trailers, boats, and rooftop setups
Most EVs today lose 40-50% of their range when towing, making long-distance overlanding a logistical challenge.
No Need to Wait
With diesel or petrol, your adventure starts now. No need to wait for:
- Charging infrastructure to expand
- Real-world testing in Australian conditions
- EV trucks that are still 12+ months from Aussie delivery (like Rivian or Cybertruck)
Side-by-Side Comparison: EV vs Diesel for Overlanding
What’s Holding Electric Trucks Back in Australia?
Charging Infrastructure:
Most of rural and regional Australia has no fast charging options. Even on popular overlanding routes like the Simpson Desert or Gibb River Road, you're completely unsupported.
Vehicle Availability
As of 2025, only a handful of electric utes or trucks are available in Australia. The Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla Cybertruck, and Rivian R1T are still not fully road-legal or distributed nationwide.
Cost
EV trucks are significantly more expensive upfront. While lifetime cost might balance out, that doesn’t help most buyers today.
So, Will Electric Trucks Replace Diesel for Off-Grid Adventures?
Not yet. But eventually—yes.
EVs are coming, and fast. The moment Australia’s EV infrastructure expands beyond the coastal highways, electric trucks will start to dominate the off-road scene—especially as battery range improves, solar integration becomes easier, and vehicle costs drop.
But for now?
The Winner (for 2025): Diesel/Petrol 4WDs
Until electric trucks can:
- Match range under load
- Recharge quickly and reliably off-grid
- Be serviced or supported in the bush
…they won’t replace the rugged reliability and remote capability of a diesel-powered 4WD.
What’s the Smart Move for Today’s Overlanders?
Go hybrid if possible. Consider a diesel 4WD with portable solar and lithium power systems to reduce fuel usage and emissions while still being bush-ready.
Keep an eye on new tech. Aussie-built EV 4WD platforms and off-grid charging stations are in the works.
Train for self-reliance. No matter your vehicle, knowledge in mechanics, bush survival, and remote travel safety is more valuable than any fuel source.
Final Word
Electric trucks are the future, but the Australian outback isn’t ready—yet. Until EVs can thrive 300km from the nearest charger, diesel still rules the dirt.