Electric Trucks Are Here! But Are They Off-Road Ready?

Electric trucks are gaining ground. From sleek city builds to rugged new EV releases, it’s clear the future of driving includes battery power. But one big question still lingers:

Can electric trucks actually perform off-road?

Let’s break it down.

The Rise of Electric Trucks in Off-Roading

Electric trucks aren’t just for the highway anymore. Brands are rolling out models packed with features designed to tackle trails—things like:

• 4x4 drive modes

• Adjustable air suspension

• Waterproof underbodies

• Instant torque for crawling

The promise is exciting. But off-roading is about more than specs. It’s about how a vehicle holds up in real conditions like mud, rocks, ruts, and more.

What Makes a Vehicle Off-Road Ready?

Not every truck can handle the trail. Whether it’s gas or electric, a truly trail-ready vehicle needs:

• Ground clearance to avoid hang-ups

• Suspension travel for handling uneven terrain

• Weight balance for safe maneuvering

• Durability to handle scrapes and bumps

• Easy repairability when something breaks far from home

EVs offer some strong traits, like power delivery and fewer moving parts. But they also come with challenges, especially when it comes to weight and energy use.

Pros and Cons of Electric Trucks Off the Pavement

Where EVs shine off-road:

• Instant torque gives them an edge in technical climbs

• Low-end power is smooth and predictable

• No gears to shift = simpler driving

• Quiet motors let you hear what your tires are doing

Where EVs struggle:

• Battery packs add weight, affecting clearance and traction

• Limited range becomes a bigger issue in remote terrain

• Charging stations aren’t always near trailheads

• Fewer mods are available right now

In short, electric trucks are promising, but not plug-and-play trail rigs just yet.

How Lightweight Mods Can Help EV Builds

When it comes to electric off-roading, weight is everything.

The heavier your truck, the faster you burn range. That’s where fiberglass comes in. ADV Fiberglass body panels offer:

• Weight savings to reduce battery drain

• Durability to handle trail abuse

• Extra clearance for oversized tires

• Rust-free durability in any climate

• Easy repairability if you take a hit on the trail

Lighter panels = more flexibility and longer distance per charge. And for EV builds, every pound counts.

Why Customization Matters More Than Ever

Most electric trucks are still built for the street. If you want to take yours off-road, you’ll need custom upgrades to make it trail-ready.

That might mean:

• Swapping out stock fenders for high-clearance fiberglass

• Reducing body panel weight to compensate for battery mass

• Adjusting for wider tires, new suspension setups, or added gear

At ADV Fiberglass, we know one-size-fits-all doesn’t cut it in off-roading, especially for new EV platforms. That’s why we offercustom projects for electric builds.

Whether you’re working with a factory-fresh truck or a unique conversion, our team can help create parts that match your needs and look great doing it.

What to Ask Before Taking Your Electric Truck Off-Road

Thinking about heading into the wild in an EV? Ask yourself:

• Do I have enoughground clearance?

• What’s myreal-world range off-road?

• How will Icharge if I’m out for multiple days?

• Are mypanels and underbody protected?

• Can I repair trail damageon the go?

If you answered “no” to any of the above, your build might need a few tweaks before it’s ready.

How We Make Fiberglass Body Panels | Advanced Fiberglass

The ADV Fiberglass Advantage

We’ve spent over 25 years helping off-roaders build smarter, stronger vehicles.

Our fiberglass panels are:

• Hand-designed and molded in-house for precise fit

• Trusted by desert race teams and overlanders alike

• Made to handle real-world trail conditions

• Lighter than steel or aluminum

• Easier to repair and more forgiving than carbon fiber

And we don’t just sell parts. We collaborate on builds.

Have an EV project in mind? We specialize incustom fiberglass designs for trucks of all shapes, sizes, and drive types.

TOYOTA TUNDRA | OVERLAND BUILD

Final Thoughts

Electric trucks are evolving fast, but off-roading demands more than just factory specs.

With smart upgrades and a focus on weight, protection, and clearance, your EV can be trail-ready in no time.

At ADV Fiberglass, we’re proud to build for the next generation of off-roaders—electric, gas, or hybrid.

Explore our services or get in touch with our team to see what’s possible. 

Follow us on  Facebook and Instagram and tag your electric rig with #ADVAdventures2025 to show us where fiberglass takes you!