Curious About an Electric UTV? Now’s the Time to Try.

While off-road operation is still at the core of utility vehicles, they have advanced from being known for pure recreation to becoming the go-to workhorse across industries and jobsites. As operations increasingly prioritize sustainability, efficiency and innovation, the evolution of the UTV continues to meet customer demands head-on with electric options. Vehicle electrification is here to stay, and electric work UTVs are no different. The evaluation phase of electric UTVs (e-UTVs) has come and gone, with today’s electric work UTVs being formidable rivals to their gas- and diesel-powered counterparts. They are also a far less expensive alternative to full-size electric pickup trucks. If you’re on the fence about adding electric UTVs to your fleet, here are the top three reasons why now is the time to get on board.

1. Durable and Capable

Durability is non-negotiable for any work vehicle, and UTVs have raised the bar in this regard. Work UTVs are engineered with long-lasting and robust components that stand up against tough jobsite duty cycles and adverse environmental conditions — decreasing breakdowns and increasing uptime. For example, heavy-duty suspension provides smooth handling and increases operator confidence across unpredictable bumps and turns.

An electric powertrain further increases performance without sacrificing capabilities. The Pro XD Kinetic, for example, offers the same 1,250-lb cargo and 2,500-lb towing capacity as its Pro XD full-size gas or diesel counterparts, while its all-electric powertrain delivers instantaneous torque and precise handling, giving operators full control and confidence whether towing, backing up to a trailer or moving between buildings. With a variety of battery options and capacities, e-UTVs can run all day — eliminating downtime concerns while meeting jobsite needs. For example, a 14.9-kWh lithium-ion battery capacity can offer an estimated range of up to 45 miles.*

2. Superior Safety Features

Safety features are paramount in the design and operation of work UTVs. After all, work zones are full of moving objects, making it imperative for operations across industries to focus on reducing accidents and injuries, avoiding mishaps and enhancing situational awareness. The compact footprint, agility and hauling capabilities of work UTVs can reduce unnecessary walking while providing secure equipment and seamless transportation of goods across jobsites. Work UTVs are also engineered with jobsite compliance top of mind. The Polaris Pro XD Kinetic, for example, comes standard with high-visibility, three-point seat belts, auditory indicators and speed limiting capabilities. Engineered for slower acceleration, the Pro XD Kinetic has a default top speed of 45 mph that can be set anywhere from 5 to 40 mph.

Depending on jobsite requirements, work UTVs can also be equipped with additional accessories to go a step further in increasing visibility. Customized lighting, such as strobe lights, calls attention to the vehicle, while LED floodlights, spotlights and light bars provide increased jobsite lighting and navigation visibility for the operator. Adjustable rear and side mirrors provide an option to further aid in operator awareness of their surroundings. Adding cab components such as doors, windshields and rear panels allows operation through dust, wind, rain and snow — without sacrificing UTV performance or operator wellbeing.

Often engineered with similar standard safety components to gas-powered UTVs, e-UTVs add a quiet powertrain into the mix — reducing noise pollution, increasing situational awareness and allowing for easier communication with coworkers. Additionally, the absence of combustible fuels enables access to areas where gas or diesel UTVs were previously excluded. By prioritizing safety through innovative design and technology, electric UTVs offer peace of mind and security for both operators and fleet managers alike.

3. Minimal Maintenance

Easy serviceability and minimal maintenance are key considerations for fleet managers seeking to optimize operational efficiency. E-UTVs offer a compelling advantage in this aspect, thanks to their advanced drivetrains and reduced maintenance requirements. With fewer mechanical components and no complex internal combustion engines to contend with, electric UTVs require less frequent servicing than gas and diesel counterparts. For example, there are no engine oil changes, filter replacements, coolant flushes, spark plugs or clutch maintenance to worry about with an electric UTV. The primary maintenance to be performed is transmission and front drive fluid changes, as well as maintaining wear items such as tires and brakes. Additionally, onboard diagnostics notify operators of critical vehicle details such as power use, battery state of charge, battery temperature and motor temperature.

Minimal maintenance means decreased downtime and also reduced maintenance costs. As an example, maintenance costs on the Pro XD Kinetic electric UTV are roughly 60 percent less than the average costs for similar gas-powered UTVs, which also means fewer replacement parts and less waste.

Electrify Fleets Today with e-UTVs

Electric UTV manufacturing and adoption is on the rise, and it’s easy to understand why. With zero emissions and enhanced safety features, electric work UTVs meet jobsite compliance and sustainability regulations. With some electric UTVs, companies don’t need to invest in new infrastructure — making integration a breeze. The Pro XD Kinetic, for instance, can be charged by a standard wall outlet, providing easy overnight charging without added costs. The power of electrification coupled with the proven capabilities and durability of commercial UTVs make electric UTVs the workhorse that’s here to stay.

Kyle Crosley is the director of Polaris Commercial.

*Actual range will vary based on conditions such as weather, cargo loads, rates of acceleration, vehicle maintenance and vehicle usage.