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Category: Electric Vehicles

  • Why Old-School 4x4s Are The New Heroes Of Overlanding

    Why Old-School 4x4s Are The New Heroes Of Overlanding

    If you have spent any time on Insta or YouTube lately, you will have clocked the boom in old-school 4×4 overlanding builds. Boxy trucks, steel wheels, chunky tyres and more jerry cans than sense. While the new stuff is packed with tech, a lot of hardcore heads are going back to the roots for proper adventure rigs.

    Classic rig set up for old-school 4x4 overlanding on a mountain pass

    Why old-school 4×4 overlanding rigs just work

    The big appeal is simple: reliability and fixability. Old 4x4s are usually body-on-frame, with chunky diffs and fewer electronics to throw a wobbly when you are miles from signal. If something does go pop, you can often bodge it with basic tools and whatever you have rattling round the boot.

    On top of that, parts support for the popular platforms is still strong. Whether you are in a Hilux, Patrol, Shogun or a classic Defender, there is normally a specialist somewhere hoarding bits. That makes it way less scary to take a 20 or 30 year old truck across Europe or into the Highlands.

    Best platforms for old-school 4×4 overlanding builds

    Everyone has their favourite, but a few platforms keep popping up in the scene:

    • Japanese ladder-frame 4x4s like Hilux Surf, 4Runner, Patrol and Pajero
    • Old Land Rover Defenders and Discoverys for the full Brit farm-spec vibe
    • Early Land Cruisers and Prados for that unstoppable, go-forever rep

    Pick something with a strong chassis, low-range transfer box and a decent aftermarket. You want to be able to choose from different suspension setups, bumpers and roof racks rather than fabricating everything from scratch.

    Core mods for a usable overland truck

    With old-school 4×4 overlanding, it is easy to get carried away bolting tat on. Sort the basics first:

    • Suspension and tyres – A sensible 2 inch lift with quality shocks and springs, plus all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres in a common size. No need for monster truck stance.
    • Protection – Decent skid plates, rock sliders and a proper recovery point front and rear. They save you a fortune the first time you misjudge a rut.
    • Electrics – Dual battery setup, tidy wiring and enough power for a fridge, lights and chargers. Messy looms cause more headaches than anything.
    • Storage – Drawers or boxes so kit is not flying around the cabin, and tie-down points in the back.

    Only once that lot is dialled in should you start thinking about snorkels, fancy roof tents and Instagram fairy lights.

    Keeping old rigs running on long trips

    The flip side of old-school 4×4 overlanding is that age catches up with everything. Before any big trip, you want to baseline the truck: fluids, belts, hoses, wheel bearings, brakes, bushes and cooling system. Replace anything that looks tired, not just what is actually broken.

    It is also smart to carry a spares pack tailored to your platform: filters, belts, a couple of hoses, fuses, bulbs, a hub bearing and some basic hardware. Owners of tough old Toyotas often throw in a few key bits alongside their Toyota Land Cruiser parts order so they have everything ready before heading off-grid.

    Travel comfort vs hardcore capability

    A lot of people daily their overland builds, so you need to balance comfort and capability. Too much lift, too aggressive a tyre and solid engine mounts will make motorway miles grim. Think about sound deadening, decent seats and a reasonable cruising gear ratio, especially if you are hauling a roof tent and a full load of gear.

    There is also a weight game to play. Every steel bumper, winch and drawer system adds kilos. An overloaded truck handles like a shopping trolley and munches through suspension components. Weigh the rig, be honest about what you actually use, and ditch the dead weight.

    Finding inspiration and local specialists

    The UK overland and 4×4 scene is stacked with inspiration. You will see everything from ultra-clean JDM imports to battle-scarred farm trucks built to roam. Local outfits like 4×4 specialists in Yorkshire, or scene-friendly garages in the Midlands, can be a goldmine for set-up advice and fabrication work if you are not a welder yourself.

    Convoy of trucks built for old-school 4x4 overlanding on a remote trail
    Organised storage setup inside an old-school 4x4 overlanding build

    Old-school 4×4 overlanding FAQs

    Is an old-school 4×4 reliable enough for long overland trips?

    A well maintained old-school 4×4 can be very reliable for overlanding. The key is to baseline the vehicle before you go: refresh fluids, belts, hoses, cooling system, brakes and suspension, and fix any rust or bodged wiring. Carry a sensible spares kit and basic tools, keep weights under control, and drive within the truck’s limits. Most breakdowns on trips come from neglected maintenance rather than age alone.

    How much lift do I need for old-school 4×4 overlanding?

    For most overlanding, a modest lift of around 2 inches with quality springs and dampers is plenty. It improves clearance and approach angles without wrecking road manners or stressing driveline angles. Combine that with slightly larger all-terrain tyres and some underbody protection and you will be able to tackle rough tracks comfortably without turning the truck into a handful on the motorway.

    Do I need a roof tent for an overland build?

    You do not have to run a roof tent for a capable overland setup. They are convenient and look the part, but they add weight high up and can hurt fuel economy. Plenty of people run ground tents, swags or simple sleeping platforms in the back of the truck. It is better to get the mechanicals, storage and electrics sorted first, then decide how you actually like to camp after a few trips.

  • Are Electric Campervans Really The Future Of Road Trips?

    Are Electric Campervans Really The Future Of Road Trips?

    Electric campervans are finally starting to look like a real option for UK road trips, not just a concept car for motor shows. For anyone who lives for late-night B-road blasts and long weekends chasing tracks and meets, electric campervans are suddenly on the radar – but are they actually usable, or just another eco buzzword?

    Couple enjoying a coastal view beside their electric campervans at sunset

    Why everyone is suddenly talking about electric campervans

    There are a few reasons these things are popping up all over your feed. First, more cities are clamping down on older diesels with clean air zones and low emission charges. Second, battery tech has moved on from the early EV days, so we are not talking 60 mile ranges and anxiety every time you see a hill. Finally, a lot of us are clocking up serious miles to shows, tracks and meets, and the idea of cutting fuel costs without driving a boring eco box is actually pretty tempting.

    Manufacturers have clocked this, which is why you are seeing factory-built electric vans with half-decent ranges and proper payloads. The base vehicles for future campers are already out there, and converters are wasting no time turning them into rolling tiny homes.

    Real-world range: can an electric campervan actually tour?

    On paper, some of the newer electric vans claim 200-plus miles, but anyone who has ever modded a car knows brochure numbers are fantasy. Add weight from units, beds, leisure batteries and all your gear, then factor in motorway speeds, cold weather and a bit of spirited driving, and that range drops fast.

    Right now, a realistic touring setup means planning around 130 to 170 miles between proper charges if you want a bit of safety buffer. For UK use that actually is not terrible: that will get you from the Midlands to most big show grounds or coastal spots with one decent stop. If your idea of a road trip is smashing out 600 miles in a day across Europe, you will need patience and a good playlist.

    Charging on the road: from services to campsites

    The good news is the rapid charger network is miles better than it was even a few years back. Motorway services and big A-road sites usually have something you can plug into, although you might have to move if you are in a longer wheelbase van and the bays are tight. The bad news is you are now planning your trip around charge stops, not just fuel and food.

    Campsites are slowly catching up, but most are still built around basic hook-ups meant for kettles and heaters, not fast-charging a van. You can trickle charge overnight, which is fine for chilled weekenders, but if you want to hit a track day one morning, then blast to a night meet the same evening, you will need public rapid chargers in your plan.

    Converting your own van vs buying factory-built

    This is where it gets interesting for the modding crowd. Traditional diesel campers are easy – find a solid base van, throw in insulation, wiring, a rock and roll bed, and you are laughing. With electric campervans, you are dealing with high-voltage systems, battery cooling and weight limits that actually matter for range and safety.

    DIY conversions are still possible, but you need to be switched on. You cannot just slam it to the floor on big wheels, bolt on a full steel interior and expect the same range. Weight saving becomes a serious part of the build spec. Lightweight furniture, clever storage and thinking about aerodynamics all make a difference. Some of the thinking is similar to how builders approach a Fabric-first retrofit on a house – sort the fundamentals before you worry about the shiny bits.

    Are electric campervans actually fun to drive?

    Surprisingly, yes. Instant torque in a van is hilarious, especially when you are pulling out of junctions or climbing hills fully loaded. No gear changes, no lag, just quiet shove. For late-night drives to meets or sunrise runs to the coast, the lack of engine noise makes it a different kind of vibe – more chill, less drama, but still enjoyable.

    Driver charging one of the latest electric campervans at a UK service station
    Friends relaxing in and around custom electric campervans at a forest campsite

    Electric campervans FAQs

    How far can an electric campervan really go on a single charge?

    Most current electric vans used for camper conversions can realistically manage around 130 to 170 miles between charges once you factor in extra weight, motorway speeds and real-world driving. Official figures are usually higher, but they rarely match what you will see when the van is fully loaded with camping gear and people. Planning routes around rapid chargers and allowing a safety buffer is essential if you are touring.

    Can I convert a used electric van into a camper myself?

    You can, but it is more involved than converting a diesel. The high-voltage systems and battery cooling should be left alone unless you are properly qualified. Most DIY builders focus on the interior fit-out, 12v systems and insulation, while leaving the drivetrain stock. Weight is a much bigger deal on an EV, so using lightweight materials and planning the layout carefully will help preserve range and keep the van safe and legal.

    Are electric campervans suitable for winter camping in the UK?

    They can work for winter trips, but you need to plan carefully. Cold weather hits battery range, and using electric heating inside the van will drain it faster. Many builds use efficient diesel or gas heaters for the living space while the main battery just handles driving. Preheating the cabin while plugged in and choosing sites with hook-ups makes winter camping in an electric van much more practical.

  • Automotive Wellness: How the Car Cabin is Becoming a Health Zone

    Automotive wellness is one of the most surprising design trends of 2025. The focus is shifting from performance and luxury to health and comfort. Cars are now being built to reduce stress, improve posture and even monitor wellbeing while driving.

    Automotive wellness

    This article explores how the idea of automotive wellness is transforming vehicle design, what the benefits are, and how these systems could make driving healthier for everyone.

    Why Automotive Wellness Matters

    The automotive industry has always adapted to new priorities. First it was safety, then fuel efficiency, then connectivity. Now, it’s wellbeing.

    As people spend more time commuting or travelling for work, comfort and mental calm are becoming just as important as horsepower or style. Drivers are starting to expect the same health-focused technology in their vehicles that they already have in their homes and fitness devices.

    Key Features of Automotive Wellness Technology

    FeatureWhat it doesHealth benefit
    Driver monitoring systemsDetect fatigue or distractionReduce accident risk by warning the driver early
    Smart air purificationRemove dust, pollen and pollutionImprove breathing and concentration
    Ergonomic seating systemsSupport correct posture automaticallyReduce back pain on long drives
    Adaptive lighting and soundAdjust mood and brightness to reduce tensionHelp the driver stay calm and focused
    Heart rate and stress sensorsMeasure physical response to stressEncourage rest and recovery when needed

    These systems are already appearing in new electric and hybrid vehicles, helping to make the cabin environment as healthy as possible.

    Health Benefits for Drivers

    Cleaner Air

    Urban air quality can be worse inside vehicles than outside. New air purification systems use sensors to detect fine particles and automatically filter the air to protect the driver and passengers.

    Reduced Fatigue

    Better seating design and driver monitoring systems can significantly reduce strain on long journeys. By prompting breaks and adjusting seating angles, drivers feel fresher and more alert.

    Stress Management

    Adaptive lighting, temperature control and relaxing audio environments all play a role in reducing stress while driving. Some vehicles even link with mobile wellness apps to encourage breathing exercises during breaks.

    Long-Term Wellbeing

    By combining good driving posture, clean air and mindfulness-based technology, automotive wellness aims to improve both physical and mental health. Pairing these innovations with expert wellness advice can help drivers maintain healthy habits beyond the car itself.

    Challenges to Consider

    • Privacy: Biometric data must be stored securely and used only with permission.
    • Accuracy: Wellness systems are not medical devices, so readings should be treated as guidance.
    • Cost: Early systems appear mainly in premium models, though this is changing quickly.
    • Trust: Drivers need clear explanations of how the technology works to feel comfortable using it.

    Practical Tips for Drivers

    • Look for automotive wellness features when choosing a new vehicle.
    • Use regular rest stops to stretch and move during long drives.
    • Keep windows and air filters clean for better cabin air.
    • Adjust seat height and steering position to support good posture.
    • Combine in-car tools with reliable online resources that offer expert wellness advice.

    Automotive Wellness FAQs

    What is automotive wellness?

    It’s the integration of health-focused technology into vehicles to promote comfort, safety and wellbeing for drivers and passengers.

    Which cars have automotive wellness features?

    Premium electric and hybrid vehicles often include them, but mid-range models are now following.

    Can cars monitor my stress levels?

    Some can. Sensors in the seat or steering wheel can measure heart rate and temperature to detect stress.

    Is automotive wellness just a luxury trend?

    Not anymore. As the technology becomes more affordable, it’s likely to appear in most new vehicles within a few years.

    How can I make driving healthier right now?

    Take regular breaks, adjust your seating posture, and follow expert wellness advice to reduce tension and fatigue.

    Automotive wellness is redefining what it means to drive. Cars are becoming cleaner, safer and more comfortable for the body and mind. As these systems evolve, drivers can expect every journey to become a step toward better health, not just another trip on the road.