Bitauto’s off-road mods to the Tesla Model Y
Once the mods were made, they set out on two excursions—one on a mixed-terrain trail called Laozhanggou and another to the Taklamakan Desert in the northwest of China—to see if the EV would be able to handle a true overlanding experience.
How did the modified Tesla Model Y fare in the real world?
The results of Bitauto’s test were a mixed bag, to say the least. In Laozhanggou, problems with the build led to a broken CV shaft and lost camber slowing things down. But the main problems were with the Model Y’s electrical system.
Besides a few hiccups in the sand dunes and one broken suspension link, the modified Model Y’s desert ride went off without a hitch. The team only encountered one other problem—the lack of battery range.
Tesla claims the long-range Model Y offers a maximum of about 370 miles—Bitauto’s real-world test brought that down to 310. And with the added weight of the upgrades and range-extending gas generator, the team got less than 125 miles out of the Tesla’s battery.
EVs need a few upgrades to become true off-road contenders
The battery range problem is an obvious obstacle. The desert trip made by Bitauto Garage gives a clear example, but even under normal road conditions, manufacturers have to grapple how weather and weight affect the longevity of a EV battery’s charge.
Another problem more specific to overlanding is the durability of an electric car’s electrical system. Sensors and wiring will need to handle being knocked around and submerged under water to keep drivers moving safely out there on the trail.
Another hurdle for off-road supercar status: ownership costs
All that said, shopping for car insurance with Jerry can help you make owning an electric rock crawler more feasible. Some Model Y owners can save over $1,700 a year just by switching insurance providers with Jerry.