The uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to build momentum in Australia, with 87,217 new EVs registered in 2023. And now the good news for farmers, councils and recreational off-roaders is that the UTV market is following suit, with innovative products like the new Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic.
Traditionally powered by diesel or petrol engines, UTVs (Utility Task Vehicles, also known as Side-by-Side Vehicles or SSVs) have fast become the farmer’s tool of choice, with serious load-carrying, towing and off-road ability, not to mention safety, that puts them ahead of most other utility vehicles for no-nonsense work.
Now Australian UTV owners looking for a smarter, more economical solution are in luck, because Polaris has secured pole position in the electric race with the new Ranger XP Kinetic Premium and Ranger XP Kinetic Ultimate. You can now trade the fuel pump for a wall socket while gaining myriad other benefits.
Here are seven reasons why buying an electric UTV like the Ranger XP Kinetic makes perfect sense for business operators.
Fuel-Free Workhorse
When you own an electric UTV your traditional fuel costs will be, you guessed it, zero. With no expensive petrol or diesel to worry about, your main overhead will be the power required to charge the vehicle’s battery. And while electricity tariffs vary, typically the power you use to charge your Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic will be appreciably less than the cost of a traditional tank of fuel – especially if you’re also utilising power sourced from your own solar panel array.
While early EVs suffered range limitations, the evolution of battery technology has led to zero-emission options that can see some EVs cover distances comparable to those of internal-combustion-engined vehicles.
A range of up to 120km* makes the XP Kinetic Ultimate an all-day performer, while the XP Kinetic Premium still offers a healthy range of up to 70km* which is appreciably more than a typical day’s usage for many operators. And when it comes time to recharge, the on-board charger (3kW in Ranger XP Kinetic Premium, 6kW in Ranger XP Kinetic Ultimate) allows you to replenish the Ranger’s battery by simply using a 240V AC outlet.
Owners of electric vehicles incorporate charging into their daily routine, replenishing the batteries overnight or even while having lunch! Charging whenever you’re not using an electric UTV is much the same as plugging your phone in when you get into your car – every bit helps.
Tapping into the powerful 29.8kWh battery in the XP Kinetic Ultimate or 14.9kWh battery in the XP Kinetic Premium, operators can also run power tools or charge their phone using the cargo box power port or USB outlet in the cabin, without fear of draining the battery.
Each model’s cargo box boasts an industry-best capacity of 567kg, along with a gutsy towing capacity of 1134kg, ultimately allowing you to get more done in fewer trips.
Of course, improved fuel security is another benefit. Ranger XP Kinetic owners reduce their reliance on fluctuating fuel prices, giving them the power to charge on their own terms, with fewer fuel deliveries to worry about.
Whisper-quiet operation
Talking on the UHF or to a passenger in a UTV is now possible without raising your voice – in fact you could even whisper!
You can also guarantee you won’t spook cattle or wake your neighbours, making near-silent operators like the Ranger XP Kinetic perfect for noise-sensitive environments.
Electric UTVs are also a favourite amongst hunters, offering stealth without compromising performance, with operation that is virtually imperceptible beyond the rolling of the tyres over the ground and the faint whir of an electric motor, instead of the constant hum of a traditional engine.
Eliminating engine noise and vibration has allowed electric UTV manufacturers like Polaris to offer true all-day comfort, further enhanced in the Ranger XP Kinetic by its refined driving experience and premium cabin.
Less maintenance, more uptime
It’s time to do away with messy oil changes, spark plugs, filters, clutches and even starter motors; an electric UTV benefits from fewer moving parts and fewer routine maintenance items.
In fact, scheduled maintenance costs for the Ranger XP Kinetic are estimated to be around 70 per cent lower than for similar combustion-engined UTVs, reducing downtime and running costs.
While traditional engines require break-in oil and a laborious maintenance schedule early in their life, electric motors are ready to roll right out of the box.
Breathe easy
Zero-emission vehicles were born out of the realisation that tailpipe emissions contribute to poor health outcomes and environmental damage.
Choosing an electric UTV reduces your exposure to the dangerous byproducts of combustion, which leads to a healthier work environment for you and your staff.
The benefits flow on to crops and livestock too, with emission-free operation making electric UTVs like the Ranger XP Kinetic a smarter choice for farms, state and national parks, and nature reserves.
Thoroughbred performance
Near-instant acceleration and precise throttle control combine to put the Ranger XP Kinetic ahead of the pack, but in an electric UTV it’s torque that is the key metric.
An electric motor producing 110hp and 190Nm of near-instant peak torque makes both the XP Kinetic Ultimate and XP Kinetic Premium 35 per cent more powerful than any other UTV on the market, offering thrilling performance into the bargain.
Not only is the Ranger XP Kinetic range powerful, but it is also easier than ever to operate, with three user-selectable drive modes to optimise throttle response and power for the job at hand.
Safety in spades
Electric UTVs take safety to new heights, offering a level of situational awareness unhindered by the noise or vibration present in traditional combustion-engined UTVs.
The Ranger XP Kinetic takes this further, protecting occupants with a beefy front bumper, windscreen and rollover protection, for uncompromised levels of on-the-job safety.
True on-demand all-wheel drive kicks in the moment any loss of traction is detected, while 29-inch Pro Armor X-Terrain tyres offer high levels of grip and combine with generous ground clearance of 355mm to deliver assured handling through even the toughest terrain.
For drivers new to UTVs, electric models are often simpler to operate and less intimidating, making the Ranger XP Kinetic an accessible option for newcomers to the UTV scene.
Money in your pocket
Arguably the most enticing benefit when making the switch to an electric UTV like the Ranger XP Kinetic, is how this innovative UTV ultimately leaves more money in your back pocket through its reduced running costs.
Whether you’re a farmer, hunter, or fleet operator, the shift to zero-emission UTVs comes with operational savings.
Electricity offers a more affordable power source for your UTV; simply plug in to recharge for another round of carbon-free work. There’s no more burning fuel through idling while opening or closing gates or carrying out a task – the Ranger XP Kinetic simply stands ready to roll when you are, maximising efficiency.
New era
The Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic is changing the game in Australia, with unmatched power and torque, lower maintenance and running costs and high levels of operator comfort you wouldn’t normally associate with an off-road utility, with plush seating and large door apertures for climbing in or out with ease.
You can jump behind the wheel of a Ranger XP Kinetic Premium for $53,995 drive away or step up to the Ranger XP Kinetic Ultimate for $72,995 drive away, and experience for yourself the difference an electric UTV makes.
The future of UTVs is here, and with the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic, it’s a good news story on so many levels.
For more information on the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic Premium and Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic Ultimate, head to the Polaris electric UTV webpage.
*Range estimates based on manufacturer data on typical customer driving usage and conditions. Actual range varies based on conditions such as external environment, weather, speed, cargo loads, rates of acceleration, vehicle maintenance, and vehicle usage.
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