Polaris is expanding its line of heavy duty UTV with the introduction of its first electric Pro XD model.
The all-new, all-electric Pro XD full-size Kinetic utility vehicle is engineered to withstand tough jobsite duty cycles and enable all-day operation.
Polaris previously entered the electric UTV space with the Ranger XP Kinetic. Polaris Commercial has leveraged that innovation for its commercial customers with the introduction of the Pro XD Kinetic, rounding out the Pro XD family that also includes gas and diesel, full-size and mid-size, standard and crew models.
“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.
“We are really thinking about the environmental impact of our product and eliminating emissions where we can.”
The electric powertrain for the UTV was developed through Polaris’ 10-year partnership with Zero Motorcycles.
The UTV can deliver the same 567 kg cargo load and 1,134 kg towing capacity as a full-size gas or diesel Pro XD UTV, while its all-electric powertrain delivers instantaneous torque and precise handling. Due to the 140 foot-pounds of instant torque of electric power, Polaris altered the drive calibration to be specific to the needs of jobsites.
“The acceleration curve was detuned, so it’s not doing zero to 60 instantly,” Stegemann said. “It’s going to slowly ramp up to the top speed to keep the worksite safe.”
The UTV uses a 14.9 kWh Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) battery to power the motor, delivering a 72 km range on average.
“We found in a standard shift, they’re not getting close to using the full 100 per cent,” Stegemann said. “That allowed us to keep the cost down slightly.”
The Pro XD Kinetic is equipped with several charging options designed to fit any electrification infrastructure. The vehicle’s battery can be charged by a standard wall outlet or even a similarly powered generator in about eight to 10 hours. The Pro XD Kinetic is also compatible with 220V to enable fast charging options in as little as three hours.
Less maintenance
An electric powertrain also requires less maintenance, which translates to more vehicle uptime, while its quieter operations enable access to restricted areas where heavy-duty gas and diesel UTVs were previously excluded.
Scheduled maintenance costs are roughly 60 per cent less than average maintenance costs for similar gas-powered vehicles meaning fewer replacements and less waste. The Lithium-Ion battery in the Pro XD is designed to last the vehicle’s lifetime.
“Fuel savings alone are USD $2,800,” Stegemann said.
Safety features
The Pro XD Kinetic is engineered with the same features to meet and exceed jobsite compliance, improve worker safety and provide peace of mind.
Orange seatbelts, vehicle decals and optional lighting accessories improve visibility of the vehicle and surrounding workers, while a standard horn and backup alarm provide audible alerts for the operator and surrounding crew.
Furthermore, the top speed of the Pro XD Kinetic can be calibrated between 8 km per hour and 65 km per hour, with many customers selecting a top speed of 40 km per hour for jobsite compliance.
The electric drivetrain also provides reduced sound levels that improve the operator’s situational awareness, allow easier communications between crew members and enables quiet-zone usage.
More electrification news:
- Daimler and Hexagon partner for electric Freightliner eM2
- Firstgreen Industries debuts its Elise cabless electric skid-steer
- SafeAI turns a Cat haul truck into an autonomous, electric machine
As well, heavy-duty boots, bearings and bushings, thick eight-ply tires and a rust- and dent-free poly bed ensure the electric model is built just like its gas and diesel counterparts.
For the interior, the seat fabric incorporates Kevlar to reduce wear and tear.
“We noticed on jobsites that occupants are getting out with a tool belt on. The Kevlar-backed seats will keep it from being torn or wearing out quickly,” Stegemann said.
