While 4×4 enthusiasts and off-roaders everywhere have long since gotten used to internal combustion engines and monstrous engine roars, it may be time to reimagine the way 4×4’s of the future will be powered. With the recent popularity and environment-friendly benefits of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is the 4×4 wheel getting ready to be reinvented?

SUVs have largely been demonized by green groups as being gas-guzzling, carbon-emitting dangers to the environment. As a result, HEV technology is rapidly changing the way today’s SUV is being marketed, with family/Earth-friendly savings in gas prices and harmful emissions, the hybrid SUV has quickly gained a place in many families’ budgets. As a halfway point between fully-electric powered autos and traditional gas engines, a hybrid with adequate features and power may present itself as an attractive option for 4×4 enthusiasts that are having their wallets destroyed at the gas pump.

Unfortunately, many hybrids will turn off the off-road fans due to the nature of HEV engines. Series HEVs primarily use the electric motor to run the vehicle, only switching to the internal combustion engine (ICE) after electric battery levels dip below certain levels. Off-road and uphill performances leave much to be desired when using the electric engine, as a result. To combat this, 4×4 owners are more likely to look at Parallel HEVs, which will have the ICE kick in during uphill driving, fast speeds, or other conditions that will give the engine a workout.

UQM Technologies and PEI Electronics have developed an HEV Hummer that has actually been confirmed to outperform the military ICE version in terms of acceleration, climbing capability, and fuel efficiency. While the technology apparently exists to develop superior HEVs, acceptance by vehicle buyers must come first in order to justify the increased costs of production. Rising gas prices and an increased awareness of environmental concerns could be the most important factors in hybrid 4×4’s gaining widespread acceptance.

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