Polaris Stuns the UTV Sector With the All-Electric Ranger Pro XD Kinetic

10 months, 1 week ago - 14 February 2024, autoevolution
Polaris Stuns the UTV Sector With the All-Electric Ranger Pro XD Kinetic
There are two distinct time periods in the history of contemporary UTVs: the eras before and after the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic hit the scene.

As the first truly modern all-electric UTV to make a significant impact, the level of refinement Polaris applied to what could've easily been just a glorified golf cart felt positively automotive grade in its execution. This time around, Polaris is set to apply the same formula to an even larger heavy-duty form factor.

This is the Polaris Pro XD Kinetic, and it's here to take the paradigm of heavy-duty UTVs and make them considerably quieter and more eco-friendly. As a bespoke product of Polaris' Commercial division, which specializes in non-civilian projects like construction and industrial enterprises, the Pro XD Kinetic was built from the ground up to be a supremely capable work vehicle. The kind of rugged, dependable workhorse that not only doesn't see the switch from ICE power to battery-electric power as a detraction but rather a considerable benefit.

If the smaller Ranger XP Kinetic is something of a light truck for non-road-legal activities, then the Pro XD Kinetic is a proverbial big heavy-duty pickup that can fit through spaces no F-250 would dare tread. So to say, it's a vehicle built to work, not to play. Although we have it on good authority through our test drive of the smaller XP Kinetic, these electric Polaris UTVs are a riot to drive as well.

With a powertrain developed in conjunction with Zero Motorcycles, the same team behind the electric drive for the XP Kinetic, there's enough engineering know-how under the hood to ensure a quality product. But if you think switching from gas or diesel UTVs to electric motors results in a decrease in power and towing capability, you're dead wrong. In fact, the Ranger Pro XD Kinetic's 1,250 lbs of rear bed capacity and 2,500-lb towing rating match that of its ICE equivalent in the standard Pro XD without a single pound of capacity lost on either front. Couple this with the instant torque native to all-electric vehicles, and the Ranger Pro XD Kinetic might legitimately be better suited to certain high-intensity work environments than their fossil-fuel-powered alternatives.

"Going all-electric with the professional-grade Pro XD UTV empowers customers to meet sustainability obligations without sacrificing capabilities," said Aaron Stegemann, vice president of Polaris Commercial. "In everything we do, Polaris Commercial is committed to providing the greatest value for our customers. That means genuinely listening to their pain points, understanding the use-cases and applications for our work UTVs and solving unmet demands where we can."

No word yet on pricing information, but expect these novel Polaris EVs to be worth a pretty penny from the dealer. But don't worry, this machine can pay for itself in no time. 

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