Story by Tread Staff
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2022 Brawley Brings EV Innovation Off-Road

2022 Vanderhall TR-2262-REC Brawley levels up EV off-road capacity – and luxury.

One of the latest electrified vehicles to promise this new kind of silent off roading is being produced by Vanderhall, a company that is famous for its speedy three-wheeled recreation vehicles. Provo, Utah-based Vanderhall Motor Works, as the outfit is formally known, is looking to introduce its newest vehicle later this year. Their four-seater 2022 Brawley is a departure from Vanderhall’s three-wheeled road-going vehicles and is planned as a bonafide 4×4 off roader.

With all the hoopla about electric vehicles taking over the roads in only a few years’ time, it seems like it’s only a matter of time when the trails will be, too. Imagine crawling up and down trails in the backwoods in near silence. It’s pretty cool if you think about it. As good as that may sound, range anxiety makes it hard to imagine being hundreds of miles away from the nearest power outlet to plug into, but the way technology is advancing, it looks like it’s going to happen very soon.

The 2022 Brawley's exterior, featuring blue paint and large tires.

Drive Modes

The electric vehicle will feature four individually controlled electric motors that will drive the off roader in ways your Wrangler, Tacoma or Bronco simply can’t. The fact that each wheel drives independently opens up some interesting off-road drive modes for the Brawley. The company named these drive modes: eCrab, eSteer, eTank and eCrawl off-road modes.

Just like a crab, when the 2022 Brawley is in eCrab mode, it can maneuver side to side by in-phase steering as all four wheels turn in the same direction at the same time. Imagine a crab shuffling diagonally left or right while its body faces forward. eSteer mode is a traditional four-wheel steering set up that allows for a super tight turning radius, while eTank is for really tight situations, rotating the vehicle with opposed motor direction just like a tank. In other words, the Brawley can turn 360-degress where it sits. We can’t wait to experience that on the trail. eCrawl is reserved for times when you need ultimate control while ascending and descending terrain. Hill-hold is also a function of this mode.

Looks and Performance

The off-road crawler looks like it will be able to perform on the trail right off the showroom floor. Its four inboard electric motors will produce more than 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque and has an estimated range of 200 miles. The top-of-the-line variant of the 2022 Brawley will come equipped with 35-inch tires and 22 inches of suspension travel utilizing bypass shocks. The filtered cabin seals in heating and air conditioning, and features a Bluetooth-enabled sound system.

The Brawley's black leather interior seats 4.

How about charging and maintenance? Vanderhall has it covered, reporting that thanks to the use of advanced lubricants and materials, the 2022 Brawley won’t need any maintenance for up to 10 years. What’s more, DC fast chargers can charge the car up to 80-percent battery capacity in under an hour. Color us intrigued. We’re itching to get a chance to take the Brawley out for a trail run. If you’d like to find out for yourself, the company is currently taking reservations for this innovative vehicle.

2022 Brawley

Performance

Battery & Charging
The 2022 Brawley’s batteries allow for an available 40 kWh and 60 kWh of energy storage. Advanced battery conditioning system extends cold weather range and increases battery lifecycle. DC fast charging can charge up to 80% capacity in under an hour.

Cabin

Creature Comforts
The 2022 Brawley will feature seating for four adults. Its design also includes a fully enclosed heated and air-conditioned cabin with a removable roof section. Other features or options include windshield wipers, Bluetooth Kicker sound system, leather wrapped steering wheel, heated seats and ViDAR system.

Wheels & Tires

Wheels & Tires
The top-of-the-line 2022 Brawley will come with 18-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch off-road capable tires.

Powertrain

Individual Motors
Four inboard electric motors producing more than 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Individually controlled motors and four-wheel steering combine to offer unparalleled maneuverability options.

Brakes
Equipped with regenerative braking and inboard wet carbon fiber brakes with electronic ABS.

Suspension

Front & Rear
Internal bypass shocks and suspension architecture combine to provide 22 inches of suspension travel. Additionally, a smooth ride enables impressive off-road performance.


For more information about the 2022 Brawley and Vanderhall’s other vehicles, visit vanderhallusa.com.

To watch an extreme weather test of the Brawley, click here.

 

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