Polaris unveiled plans to debut an all-new 2022 electric RANGER utility side-by-side in late December 2021. This full-size RANGER is the first electric vehicle Polaris developed through its powersports industry-exclusive partnership with Zero Motorcycles, which the two companies announced last year.
RANGER is the flagship ATV brand from Polaris, Minnesota. More detailed information about the upcoming new product will be presented in the near future. So far, the manufacturer promises that it will be the most advanced UTV of the Ranger family in terms of engine power, torque, and thrust, all thanks to the switch to electricity and batteries.
It spearheads the company’s long-term plan to accelerate its leadership in powersports electrification. The design and development efforts for the RANGER are underway in Wyoming, Minn., with manufacturing for North American vehicles to take place at Polaris’ facility in Huntsville, Ala.
Unlike ATVs, UTVs are larger and are used for work rather than leisure. Large and powerful vehicles are usually used to transport equipment and materials to places where using a truck is impractical or impossible. They are also called side-by-side all-terrain vehicles because they can accommodate a passenger next to the driver.
“As our top-selling off-road vehicle brand, RANGER has continually set the benchmark as the hardest working, smoothest riding UTV, leading the market in rider-inspired innovation,” said Steve Menneto, president of Polaris Off-Road. “The new electric powertrain will elevate the RANGER platform to a whole new level of capability, durability, and performance.”
“We’ve actively engaged our RANGER customers, and without a doubt, there is significant demand for even higher levels of performance and capability,” added Menneto. “They’ve expressed some very specific unmet needs, and our new electric full-size RANGER will effectively address them, unlocking a truly enhanced off-road experience.”
While no information is given about the range, battery pack, or price of the vehicle, it is reported that the new electric RANGER to start arriving in dealerships in early 2022.
Polaris and Zero Motorcycles signed a 10-year agreement last year to produce a range of electric vehicles, including ATVs, ATVs, and snowmobiles. Both companies hope to enter a sector of the electric vehicle market that has been underestimated until now. Eventually, they hope to have an electric version of all types of cars in the Polaris lineup by 2025.
“The strength of our partnership with Zero Motorcycles and our own investments in electrification R&D enables us to leverage advancements in electric powertrains and performance to drive the off-road industry into the future,” said Mike Donoughe, senior vice president and chief technical officer, Polaris Inc. “This will be one of the most technically advanced off-road vehicles on the market and reinforces Polaris’ position as the innovation leader in powersports.”
