Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic Gives UTV Market an Electric Jolt
By Edward A. Sanchez – Dec. 1, 2021
The powersports and off-road utility vehicle market has typically focused on practicality, reliability, and products that are fun to ride and drive. Regulations on these vehicles are typically more lenient than on-road vehicles in terms of safety, emissions, and other requirements. Consequently, it’s not a surprise that it’s one of the last segments to get on the EV bandwagon. But those companies that are, are getting into EVs in a big way. Polaris Industries, for example, is doing a giant proverbial mic-drop with its new Ranger XP Kinetic UTV. Simply put, it’s the king of the Polaris UTV hill, gas or electric.
To be clear, this is not the first electric UTV for Polaris. Previously, the company offered a comparatively mild-mannered 30-hp Ranger EV with lead-acid batteries. With a price of $13,699, it’s priced in the middle of the Ranger line, but with one of the most modest power outputs.
The Ranger XP Kinetic, meanwhile, comes in and kicks over the amps and speakers and smashes the guitar on stage with its output of 110 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, choice of a 14.9 or 28.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, and automotive-spec J1772 Level 2 charging up to 9 kW. Of course, this level of power comes at a price, roughly double that of its lower-powered electrified sibling, at between $24,999 and $29,999. Yep, 30 grand for a side-by-side utility. This is definitely not an impulse purchase.
An automotive-spec J1772 plug allows charging the Polaris at a rate of up to 9 kW.
That said, if you have a working farm, ranch, or other off-road property that demands capability and practicality, the Ranger XP Kinetic has those attributes in abundance, with a 2,500-pound towing capacity and a 1,250-pound payload capacity, nearly rivaling the capabilities of base-model midsize pickups. To help ease the transition into the EV age, Polaris has partnered with EV charging equipment specialist Qmerit to assist new owners in setting up Level 2 charging at their home or workplace.
The existence of the XP Kinetic has not been a great secret, with the company teasing it since April of this year, and its existence being rumored for at least a year. In the April teaser, Polaris was open about its collaboration with California-based EV motorcycle company Zero, which helped engineer much of the powertrain and power electronics on the Kinetic.
At $30,000, the electric Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic is no impulse buy. But for a working farm, it could be the perfect tool for the job.
Although a $30,000 electric UTV may not seem that significant in the greater scheme of things, the Ranger XP Kinetic, along with the Ford F-150 Lightning, are bringing EVs to a segment of the vehicle market that were previously indifferent and skeptical, if not outright hostile to EVs. Those that work in the agricultural, energy, and forest services industries have always been about practicality and reliability, and for good reason. They’ve relied on gasoline and diesel-powered utility equipment for decades, and understand it well. Although the price premium on the Kinetic is substantial, so are its capabilities, as well as significantly lower maintenance costs, by as much as 70%, according to Polaris.
For those used to the more modestly powered Ranger models, and especially the previous Ranger EV, the Kinetic will likely feel like a Ferrari in comparison. Although purchases for businesses and commercial use are often made on a pragmatic, “just the numbers” basis, one can’t completely discount the “I want one!” factor.
Polaris has committed to a 10-year collaboration with Zero to build a line of high-performance EV models, including ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles, so the XP Kinetic is just the beginning.
(Images courtesy Polaris)
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