In recent years, as new energy technology continues to empower the automotive industry, the hardcore off-road vehicle market has also ushered in a profound transformation towards electrification and intelligentization. Currently, domestic new energy hardcore off-road vehicle models can be mainly divided into three categories:
- The first category is traditional off-road enhanced products centered on P2 motors, retaining non-decoupled mechanical four-wheel drive (4WD) and a three-lock differential structure, focusing on extreme off-road scenarios.
- The second category adopts multi-motor and decoupled electric 4WD technology, eliminating the central drive shaft and mechanical differential locks, achieving a better balance between off-road performance and urban driving.
- The third category is new energy light off-road vehicles, mostly using a monocoque body and electric 4WD, mainly meeting the needs of urban driving.
From the perspective of drive technology:
- The P2 solution still focuses on fuel-driven power with motor assistance, emphasizing the reliable escape capability of mechanical 4WD under complex road conditions.
- The multi-motor electric 4WD, however, is dominated by electric drive with fuel as auxiliary. It has advantages such as high energy efficiency, fast response, and low transmission loss, but its durability and actual passing capability in extreme environments still need further verification.
In terms of 4WD systems:
In addition to the traditional full-time, part-time, and on-demand mechanical 4WD, electric 4WD is gradually emerging. It intelligently distributes torque through an electronic control system, eliminating mechanical structures such as drive shafts and transfer cases, thereby improving space utilization and transmission efficiency. Nevertheless, electric 4WD also faces challenges in terms of high power consumption under heavy loads, battery protection, and technical maturity.
In addition to the traditional full-time, part-time, and on-demand mechanical 4WD, electric 4WD is gradually emerging. It intelligently distributes torque through an electronic control system, eliminating mechanical structures such as drive shafts and transfer cases, thereby improving space utilization and transmission efficiency. Nevertheless, electric 4WD also faces challenges in terms of high power consumption under heavy loads, battery protection, and technical maturity.
Regarding market performance:
In 2024, the sales volume of new energy hardcore off-road vehicles in China showed explosive growth, reaching 170,000 units for the whole year, a significant year-on-year increase of 309%. The market penetration rate rose to 47%, demonstrating huge growth potential. From the perspective of brand pattern:
In 2024, the sales volume of new energy hardcore off-road vehicles in China showed explosive growth, reaching 170,000 units for the whole year, a significant year-on-year increase of 309%. The market penetration rate rose to 47%, demonstrating huge growth potential. From the perspective of brand pattern:
- Great Wall Motor occupies most of the market share by virtue of multiple mechanical 4WD models such as the Tank series.
- BYD has also gained a good market share relying on electric 4WD products such as Yangwang U8 and Leopard 5.
Looking ahead, more brands are accelerating their layout in this niche market. It is expected that 2025 will see the launch of a number of new models, including Great Wall Tank 800 Hi4-T and Chery G700, which will drive the new energy hardcore off-road market to continue its high-speed growth, with the annual sales volume expected to exceed 350,000 units.
As an automotive component enterprise, Zhengheng Power has always kept pace with the trend of integrating new energy and off-road technologies. We actively deploy the R&D and manufacturing of new energy components, covering key parts such as electric drive systems, electronic control systems, and high-strength chassis structures. We are committed to providing reliable and high-performance solutions for complete vehicle customers, and jointly promoting the innovation and development of new energy off-road vehicles.
Post time: Aug-26-2025
