Guides
Outbound Motor and Powertrain Upgrades
The Vehicle Powertrain Upgrades research tree holds everything that drives your van: three motor upgrades, a cooling system, and three battery upgrades. This guide lists each node's exact research cost and the order it unlocks.
Last updated Jun 13, 2026 (Build 826)
Quick answer: Research the three motor upgrades in order - Motor I (10 Bolts), Motor II (6 Casings, 2 Electronics), Motor III (20 Adamant Metal, 40 Rose Minerals). The Cooling System Upgrade branches off Motor II, and the three battery upgrades run on their own chain.
Motor Upgrades
The motor line is a straight chain of three nodes - each one requires the previous. They are the upgrades the game ties to climbing steeper terrain.
Motor Upgrade I
Give your motor that extra bit of juice to drive up steeper slopes.
Research cost
Motor Upgrade II
Requires Motor Upgrade I
A second motor upgrade to add even more power to your vehicle.
Research cost
Motor Upgrade III
Requires Motor Upgrade II
With this raw power you'll be able to drive up the steepest slopes!
Research cost
Cooling System
The Cooling System Upgrade is a single node that branches off Motor Upgrade II. It is the upgrade the game describes for surviving the hottest climates - useful before the Canyons.
Cooling System Upgrade
Requires Motor Upgrade II
Cools your motor better so it can withstand even the hottest climates.
Research cost
Battery Capacity
The battery line is the powertrain tree's second chain, raising your battery's capacity across three nodes. It runs independently of the motor line, so you can prioritise whichever fits your run.
Battery Capacity Upgrade II
Requires Battery Capacity Upgrade I
Further increase your battery's capacity.
Research cost
Battery Capacity Upgrade III
Requires Battery Capacity Upgrade II
Increase your battery's capacity even further.
Research cost
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many motor upgrades are in Outbound?
- There are three: Motor Upgrade I, II, and III. They sit in the Vehicle Powertrain Upgrades research tree and must be unlocked in order. Motor I costs 10 Bolts, Motor II costs 6 Casings and 2 Electronics, and Motor III costs 20 Adamant Metal and 40 Rose Minerals.
- What does the motor upgrade do in Outbound?
- In the game's own words, the motor upgrades give your vehicle more power to drive up steeper slopes - Motor III lets you "drive up the steepest slopes." The game files do not list numeric speed or grade values, so only the in-game descriptions are quoted here.
- Do I need the motor upgrades before the cooling system?
- Yes. The Cooling System Upgrade branches off Motor Upgrade II in the powertrain tree, so you need Motor II first. It costs 2 Hardened Metal, 4 Electronics, and 10 Water.
- What is the most expensive powertrain upgrade?
- Motor Upgrade III, at 20 Adamant Metal and 40 Rose Minerals - both late-game refined materials. The battery line tops out at Battery Capacity Upgrade III for 4 Power Cell.