2WD cars, trucks, etc., power the vehicle using only 2 of 4 wheels–either front (FWD) or rear (RWD). Four wheel drive vehicles–like SUVs and 4x4s–power all four wheels for improved safety and performance in rough terrain and off-road conditions. 2WD is preferable for fuel efficiency and vehicle lifespan on highways and smooth bitumen roads. Most 4WD models switch manually between 4WD and 2WD. AWD vehicles are typically low-clearance and designed to use all four wheels for better handling at high speeds and in hazardous road conditions.

2WD, 4WD, and AWD vehicles all have their benefits. The right choice for you depends mostly on where you plan to drive and your budget. 2WD cars are cheaper to manufacture and come at a lower price–particularly front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles. 4WD (4x4) is the best option if you plan on driving off-road or bush-driving. AWD is typically a feature of high-end or luxury cars and provides improved handling and safety on-road at high speeds or in hazardous conditions.

Yes. A 4WD vehicle will consume more petrol per kilometre than a comparable 2WD model. Because 4x4s power all four wheels instead of just two, more energy is required. 4WD requires additional components, significantly increasing vehicle weight and burning more fuel to drive. Most 4x4s allow drivers to manually switch between 4WD for improved off-road handling and 2WD for better fuel efficiency on asphalt and highways.

All vehicles with internal combustion engines that burn petrol rely on batteries to start. The size you need depends on your vehicle and is typically manufacturer-preinstalled. Dual battery systems for 4x4s are ideal for off-road and bush driving. They supplement in-vehicle power from built-in four wheel drive batteries with a deep cycle battery or a portable power station to run camping appliances while preserving the starting battery’s integrity and lifespan. Out of the box, EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 portable power station provides 1kWh of storage and ~1800W of AC output. It’s the ideal starting point for a battery for 4x4 system.

Four-wheel drive vehicles that run on petrol rely on starter batteries to operate — You won’t be able to start up the engine without it. Your 4x4’s main battery can also run or charge a small number of low-wattage accessories and devices. However, using the main battery for purposes other than starting the engine negatively impacts lifespan, reliability, and performance. Adding an auxiliary battery or portable power station takes the strain off your main 4WD battery. It allows you to run higher-wattage appliances, such as a 12V/24V camping fridge, for extended periods.

If you don’t plan on running 12V camping appliances or other mid-to-high-wattage devices using battery power, adding an auxiliary battery for your 4x4 may be unnecessary. However, if you’re planning on overlanding or off-roading for extended periods, investing in a dual battery system for your 4WD makes perfect sense. Not only will you preserve your main battery for essential functions, but you can also operate 12V camping appliances like fridges and cooktops without worrying about starting your vehicle.

Yes. EcoFlow’s portable power stations support charging from various sources while operating, including 800W alternator charging, portable solar panels, Smart Generator (Dual Fuel) and on-grid (AC) hookups. However, it’s best not to operate the portable power station when charging with portable solar panels or alternator charging. If the output of the portable power station exceeds the charging input it may damage the battery or decrease lifespan.

Unlike conventional inverter generators, EcoFlow Smart Generator (Dual Fuel) runs on LPG and/or petrol and integrates seamlessly with DELTA series portable power stations. Using the EcoFlow App, you can control and monitor the Smart Generator from anywhere with an internet connection. It’s easy to configure the Smart Generator to auto-start when your power station battery runs down to a specified level, ensuring you’re never without off-grid power.

Unlike conventional off-road power options, installing EcoFlow’s 800W Alternator Charger and DELTA series portable power station is easy to DIY. It requires no permanent alterations to your vehicle. Simply connect the 800W Alternator Charger to your 4 wheel drive battery or RV house/4x4 camper battery using a wrench or pliers found in any toolbox to enjoy worry-free off-road power anywhere you roam.