Are Electric UTV Any Good?

Overview & Introduction

The EV wave has been surging through various industries as of late. From automotive to trucking and even boats and planes, everyone seems to be getting in on the action. The powertrain industry is no exception, with the recent crop of EV alternatives sprouting up from the biggest manufacturers in the business: Polaris, Segway, Can-Am, and Kawasaki are all recognizing the demand for more eco-friendly options and plan to roll out new products in response. While some of these manufacturers have yet to fulfill their promise to deliver electric variants of their UTVS, others already have beaten the market with models sitting on dealer lots as we speak. In this article, we’ll explore the current state of electric UTVs, discuss some pros and cons, and highlight a few scenarios where the electric versions outperform their gas-powered counterparts.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Electric UTVs

On paper, the promise of what EVs have to offer is pretty appealing. A smoother, quieter, eco-friendly vehicle with lower maintenance costs and instant power delivery sounds almost like a dream come true. Not to mention the potential cost savings from fuel and government incentives all while coasting around in an environmentally friendly machine that produces zero emissions. But the reality of what electric UTVS deliver is actually quite different.

Starting with the obvious—it is almost impossible to actually get your hands on one at the moment. Anyone who’s been in the market for one of the newest electric UTVs has probably had the same experience: you show up to your dealer after seeing the latest manufacturer advertisement for their electric UTV only to be told that you’ll have to join the waitlist and it will be months if not years before you can receive your order. Assuming you’re one of the lucky few (or potentially unlucky, depending on your experience) that has been able to actually purchase and receive these electric UTVS, there are a whole host of potential downsides that need to be addressed.

This is where the promise of an electrified powersport vehicle can fall short for most buyers. While battery technology has come a long way in recent years, the smaller formfactory of UTVs comparable to full-size electric vehicles means less space for a battery. Ultimately, a smaller battery is going to dramatically limit the range and power output of an electric UTV. Charging times and infrastructure are another concern given the work-focused nature of many UTVS. The last thing you want while out working on a field is to be caught stranded because you ran out of juice on the job.

In short, the decision between electric and gas-powered UTVs depends on individual needs, usage patterns, and priorities.That being said, we’ll take a look at the current crop of EV UTVs on today’s market to help you decide what’s available and how compassion holds up.

Current Popular Electric UTVs

Prospective buyers of any electric UTV will need to weigh out the pros and cons and ultimately go with what makes the most sense for their specific needs.

Polaris Ranger Kinetic

If you're looking for the cream of the crop, then the Ranger Kinetic is probably your best bet. Polaris has pulled out all of the stops in making the electrified version of their most popular EV and truly knocked it out of the park with this one. With a whopping 110 horsepower and a class-leading 80-mile range, it's set the bar pretty high for other manufacturers. Sure, the $40,000 MSRP might make your wallet wince, but you're getting some serious capability for your money. The best part? It'll charge up in about 5 hours on a Level 2 charger, making it the only UTV on this list capable of doing so.

Kandi Cowboy e10K

Kandi is a newer brand on the UTV marketplace, but their Cowboy e10k has been showing lots of promise since it popped up on our radar. The Kandi Cowboy e10K not only offers an impressive top speed of 40 MPH but also features a 60-mile range powered by a 11.5 kWh battery. Though not as powerful as the Polaris Ranger Kinetic, the Kandi Cowboy e10k provides a whole host of features for its sub$14,000 MSRP. Its J1772 charging system is straightforward and offers lots of compatibility with 3rd party charging solutions, but a full recharge can take an estimated 14 hours using a 120V charger. This is probably one of it’s biggest downsides, as without fast charging options, the Kandi Cowboy is less suitable for frequent or heavy use on a worksite.

Tracker OX EV

The Tracker OX EV focuses on delivering a practical, electric-powered light-duty UTV with a 60-mile range all for an MSRP under $12,000. The Tracker OX EV proves that it’s more than a golf cart on off-road tires by offering lifted suspension and a hydraulic lift-assisted tilting cargo box. Overall, its designs serve well for a mix of light-duty farm work and trail riding. This UTV would be a good fit for newcomers to the EV segment who find themselves doing a lot of driving in quiet areas or low-impact environments where speed or payload aren’t key factors.

JLCEV Nipper

The Nipper Pro is the lesser-known brand out of the pack, but it does punch above its weight, especially considering the fact that its parent brand, JLCEV, was founded in just 2023. In a relatively short time, the team has built out a fairly capable electric UTV with the Nipper Pro, boasting a respectable 75 miles of maximum range. It might lack some of the horsepower compared to other models in our line-up, such as the Ranger Kintetic, but it makes up for it by positioning itself as the low-cost entry model with a bargain MSRP of £16,995. As of right now, the JLCEV Nipper looks only to be available in the UK, but we hope this bargain of a UTV makes its way stateside soon.

Conclusion

Today’s current selection of electric UTVs offers a blend of power, efficiency, and utility that can make for a compelling purchase depending on the application. If low operating costs and smooth, quiet operation are at the top of your requirements, then the UTVs mentioned in this article would be good for consideration. However, if power and range are what you’re looking for, then perhaps the gas-powered alternative is your best bet. Remember to check out our selection of UTV parts and accessories that fit a broad range of makes and models, including some of the ones we mentioned today.

FAQs

How long does it take to charge an electric UTV?

This typically varies based on the battery technology and charging setup, but the general range of charging times for the UTVS featured in this list is 5-14 hours. Polari’s Ranger has a notable advantage with it’s Level 2 charging capability, while other manufacturers offering Level 1 (120V) charging typically have charging times ranging from 10+ hours.

Are electric UTVs as powerful as gas-powered ones?

To the surprise of many, some electric UTVS can match or even surpass the power output of their gas-powered counterparts. This is especially the case with regards to torque, as electric motors are typically torquirer and more responsive than gas engines.

Can I use an electric UTV for long trail rides?

Most of the electric UTVS we covered in this article have a range around 50-80 miles. If your trail riding tends to lean towards longer excursions, then perhaps that might cut it, but for shorter trail rides or putting around a large property, this range should be more than enough to do the job.

How long do EV batteries last?

It typically takes EV batteries about 5-8 years to show serious signs of degradation, which ultimately impact range. Battery health can be affected by a number of factors, including usage intensity, environmental conditions, and even charging habits. We recommend keeping an eye out for the factory warranty that comes with your electric UTV, as this could save you big bucks should you encounter a premature battery failure.