We finally got some vital details about the new Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic.
After teasing it for nearly a year, Polaris Off-Road has finally released the full details for their all-new electric RANGER UTV. The company gave their first glimpses of the new electric UTV back in March when they announced a 10-year partnership with Zero Motorcycles to develop a new line of electric vehicles and snowmobiles. We're assuming that will mean other side-by-sides and ATVs eventually, but for now the company is going with one of their most popular machines.
Polaris has finally released the website for the electric RANGER XP Kinetic and we finally have the full specs on everything including the electric motor, the battery pack, drivetrain, and more.
We also had the opportunity to do a Q&A session with Polaris engineers and we learned some answers to some of the burning questions you might have about this interesting new addition to Polaris' off-road vehicles lineup.
It has slightly more horsepower and torque than a standard RANGER.
Anyone who thought an electric UTV was going to be a downgrade in the powersports world seems to be mistaken. The electric powertrain of this vehicle gives the new RANGER XP Kinetic approximately 110 horsepower. Compare that with the RANGER XP 1000, which pumps out about 82 horsepower. Polaris says the machine has instant torque and you will notice the extra pep behind this machine the first time you press the accelerator. The RANGER pumps out 140 lb-ft of torque, which the company says is a new industry-leading standard.
All that power gives the Kinetic excellent hauling and towing capabilities. Polaris says it can haul a 1,250-pound payload, which should be more than enough for most hunters, ranchers, and farmers. So, anyone concerned about the work capabilities of this machine seems to have nothing to worry about.
There are two different battery packages to choose from.
One detail that did not emerge until yesterday was the fact there are two trim level packages for the Kinetic with two different batteries that affect the range of the vehicle. The RANGER XP Kinetic Premium trim has a single 14.9 kWh lithium-ion battery that gives up to 45 miles of range on a single charge.
Then there is the RANGER XP Kinetic Ultimate trim package which features a dual 29.8 KWh lithium-ion battery. This one allows up to 80 miles of range on a single charge. This package also features Polaris' popular Ride Command "infotainment screen" which provides vital information on all aspects of the vehicle, including how much charge time is remaining. We also learned that users will be able to set a waypoint to their charge station and the Ride Command system will constantly monitor how long you can drive before heading back for a fresh charge. No worries about running out of juice unexpectedly in the middle of the field while you're working.
There are systems to help preserve charge.
We also learned the machines have a built-in "low state of charge" mode. There is a certain amount of capacity built into the batteries so you can make it back. According to Polaris, warnings for low power will come on at about 10 percent charge remaining so you'll know when it's time to start heading for home. In our Q&A session, Polaris Vice President Chris Judson said there are currently no accessory battery packs into integrate into the vehicle for range at this point. However, we would not be surprised if they introduce those down the line.
Polaris knows a variety of factors affect battery life and it seems they've taken many into account in the design. For instance, Polaris has built in a regenerative braking energy recovery system that will help with battery efficiency every time the user lifts his or her foot from the accelerator.
The Kinetic also goes into a sleep mode to conserve energy when sitting and not plugged into a charger. Polaris also built in a battery heater that helps maintain the temperature of the battery allowing you to operate the vehicle in extreme cold conditions.
The Kinetic has selectable drive modes and turf modes
Owners will be able to select a power mode based on what they're trying to do with the machine. These different modes will help conserve battery life. For instance, ECO+ mode helps the vehicle to maximize range. When you're looking to have fun, put it into sport mode for faster acceleration and more torque. Polaris says the top speed is right around 60 mph for the RANGER XP Kinetic. Also, for users who regularly use things like turf mode to keep from tearing up their lawns, that feature is built in to the new electric RANGER just like the gas models.
It has the same off-road capabilities as a standard RANGER
Polaris gave the Kinetic a full-body skid plate and the 14 inches of ground clearance combined with the Pro Armor X-Terrain tires will help chew up whatever types of terrain you can find. Polaris' designers and engineers told us this machine was put through the same torture tests as the standard RANGER models. Key areas are built with proper sealing to protect vital systems. This is so you can even feel comfortable fording high water with it up to the floorboards.
It is compatible with 95% of RANGER XP 1000 accessories.
For those who like to customize their UTVs, Polaris has built the new Kinetic to be compatible with nearly all current RANGER accessories. This means you can add one of their Pro Shield cab systems for more comfortable riding in harsh elements. Or a winch kit for work around the ranch. Perhaps most useful, the Kinetic is compatible with Polaris' Lock & Ride storage systems for all your tools or hunting gear.
We really like this move, especially for someone who already owns a ton of accessories and is planning on moving over the electric side of off-road machines, they'll be all set. It also cuts down on confusion on what can and cannot be used with the machine.
It saves big on maintenance costs.
One of the biggest costs of owning and operating a UTV is simply in dealing with routine maintenance. However, when you eliminate spark plugs, oil, oil filters, clutches, and other parts that can wear out quickly, you also cut a lot of the traditional costs of the vehicle. Polaris estimates users could save up to 70% on costs compared to a gas UTV.
They also say charging an electric vehicle is more efficient and costs less in the long run. Polaris says the average user can expect to save up to $200 in gasoline costs each year. It adds up quickly over the life of the machine, as Polaris estimates the batteries will have a life of at least ten years before needing replacement.
The electric drivetrain is incredibly quiet.
If there is one downside to many UTVs, it is how loud the engines are, especially if you are a hunter wanting to slip into the backcountry without your quarry noticing you are there. The Kinetic solves that issue in a big way with a whisper quiet operation. In that way, this new RANGER not only helps the environment by not having a polluting gas engine, but also helps cut down on potential noise pollution levels. No more disturbing close neighbors or spooking deer out of your hunting area every time you fire the machine up. Sounds good to us, especially for those beautiful, open places where we just want to cruise and enjoy the scenery.
You can expect to see the 2023 Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic Premium and Ultimate editions in your local dealership sometime in 2022. Check out the new Polaris website for additional information on these new machines.
Products featured on Wide Open Spaces are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
For more outdoor content from Travis Smola, be sure to follow him on Twitter and check out his Geocaching and Outdoors with Travis YouTube channels.
NEXT: 8 THINGS WE LEARNED ABOUT THE 2021 POLARIS RANGER FROM TALKING TO THE ENGINEERS WHO DESIGNED IT
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