This past summer, we introduced you to the latest off-road line-up from Polaris and included in the mix was an all-new vehicle, and frankly, a new concept to the off-road community dubbed the Ranger EV. In case you missed it, the Ranger EV is a new, pure electric vehicle from Polaris and quite possibly, the first all electric off-road vehicle to hit the market from a major manufacturer. Looking every bit like the new Polaris Ranger 400, save the less aggressive tires, the EV features a 30-horsepower electric motor, and 8 heavy-duty 12-volt batteries, hooked in series to deliver the necessary 48 volts. The remainder of the EV touts all the goods typically associated with the Ranger line, including On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, MacPherson strut front suspension, independent rear suspension, and plenty of load carrying capacity via the Lock & Ride equipped box.
Recently, we had a chance to spend a little more time with the EV, and more importantly, probe the brass at Polaris on what the future of electric powered off-road vehicles holds, and how the new Ranger EV fits in.
According to John Kastanek, Polaris Product Manager for the EV and other Ranger utility models, the initial response has been extremely positive, and already a few new markets beyond those originally expected have opened up for the clean and quiet Ranger. “We just introduced a new Ranger EV in a low speed vehicle configuration that will be offered to our military markets,” John told us. “The ease of use, and quiet operation of the Ranger EV makes it a perfect vehicle for certain military applications, and the LSV version features turn signals, windshield, and other required on-road features. It’s just another example of how we believe the electric market has incredible potential.”
Other primary market targets for the EV include a group dubbed multi-acreage landowners. These are folks who, perhaps own a large acreage suburban home, or small hobby farm. The ease of use, and quiet operation makes it a great alternative to the typical gas powered side-by-side.

Back in July, Polaris also launched a Mossy Oak camo version of the EV. “Hunters can obviously appreciate the quiet operation of an electric off-road vehicle,” John said. “It’s not something that you would use to say, track big game in Texas, but hunters who perhaps own smaller acreage, or are making shorter trips appreciate the positive environmental aspects of the EV. We have also seen outfitters start to recognize the benefits, and several have purchased the EV for taking clients out to blinds or stands without the disruptions that can come from a typical gas powered vehicle.”
The heart of the Ranger EV is a brushless AC induction motor that can propel the vehicle up to 25mph, and can achieve a range up to 50 miles under ideal conditions. The key, according to Kastanek is the use of an AC motor versus a more traditional DC design. “DC motors are sort of viewed as old technology, John said. “AC motors are much more efficient, have cooler operating temperatures, and one such as the one used in the Ranger features internal overload protection, so you can’t damage the motor from things like overheating.”

Our experience with the EV thus far has shown that power is more than adequate, and Polaris feels equally confident as evidenced by a spec sheet that claims a rated 1,250lb towing capacity. A dash-mounted toggle gives you the option between three power ranges – Low for towing, high for max speed, and Max to deliver optimum range on a charge.
Power aside, what everyone really wants to know is if the claimed 50 mile range of the EV is more than market hype. According to Kastanek, the Ranger EV is capable of the 50-mile mark but is quick to add, only under ideal conditions. “There are a lot of factors that can impact the range of the vehicle,” John added. “Obviously, driving habits, terrain, the power mode selected, and ensuring the batteries are fully charged are things most people realize impact range. However , things such as temperature, tire pressure, and the number of charge cycles on the batteries also play a role.”

According to Polaris, the batteries on the EV actually improve their capabilities after several cycles of being used and charged. With no battery memory to worry about, Polaris encourages owners to charge the batteries after every use. In addition, ambient air temperature can impact range by as much as 30-percent when temperatures dip below the freeze mark.
Just like the automotive industry, the choice of becoming clean and green comes with a price, and just like the car industry, we suspect the majority of prospective buyers will opt for fuel over an electrical outlet when they discover the more than $3,000 premium the Ranger EV ($13,399) will require over its gas powered Ranger 400 ($9,999) sibling. But despite the added cost, there clearly seems to be a place for an electric off-road vehicle, and Polaris appears determined to lead the charge.