Polaris Unveils Ranger Kinetic

Polaris Mounts Electric Drivetrain Into Ranger Line With New Ranger XP Kinetic

Dan Miller
By  Dan Miller , Progressive Farmer Senior Editor
Operators will find new towing and hauling benefit from the all-new, electric Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic. (Photo courtesy of Polaris)

CHELSEA, Ala. (DTN) -- Putting a high-tech charge into its popular Ranger off-road line, Polaris is unveiling Wednesday its all-new Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic. The Ranger Kinetic UTV runs on a new electric powertrain built by Polaris in partnership with Zero Motorcycles.

"Time and again, Polaris has demonstrated our commitment to rider-driven innovation, delivering what our riders need and want, going beyond what they imagined was possible," stated Mike Speetzen, CEO of Polaris, in a press release.

"Building on this rich legacy, we continue our relentless pursuit to create unmatched riding experiences and are partnering with Zero Motorcycles to harness the incredible capabilities of electric for our customers. The new Ranger XP Kinetic is a powerful example of this," Speetzen said.

The electric powertrain's instantaneous torque delivers precise control when pulling or towing heavy loads. The technology features fewer moving parts for lower maintenance costs and more uptime for increased productivity. A quiet electric powertrain means easy conversation with family and friends, the ability work in the early morning without waking neighbors, quiet operation around animals and it offers stealthy entry to hunting spots.

Electrifying an already class-leading product is an undertaking not taken lightly, stated Sam Paschel, CEO of Zero Motorcycles, also in the press release. "Our passion for electrification as a powertrain solutions provider, and Polaris' dedication to consumer-led innovation has created an all-new electric Ranger that delivers an incredible rider experience," he said.

Here are Ranger XP Kinetic specifics:

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-- Price. Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic Premium starts at $24,999 MSRP. The upgraded Ranger XP Kinetic Ultimate starts at $29,999 MSRP.

-- Range. The Ranger XP Kinetic side-by-side is available as a three-seat model and offered in Premium and Ultimate trims. The Premium trim is equipped with 14.9 kWh of lithium-ion battery capacity and offers an estimated range of up to 45 miles. The Ultimate trim boasts 29.8 kWh of battery capacity and offers an estimated range of up to 80 miles. Range estimates are based on manufacturer data on typical customer driving usage and conditions. Actual range varies based on conditions such as external environment, weather, speed, cargo loads, rates of acceleration, vehicle maintenance, and vehicle usage.

-- Powertrain. The electric powertrain does not require oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs or clutch maintenance. Scheduled maintenance costs are expected to be 70% less than average maintenance costs for similar gas-powered vehicles over a five-year period of operation. Ranger XP Kinetic is backed by one-year factory warranty, three-year electric powertrain coverage, and five-year battery coverage.

-- Charging. Ranger XP Kinetic comes standard with a combined Level 1/Level 2 EV charge cord that allows owners to charge from a 120V or 240V outlet. Factory-installed onboard charging rate is 3kW for the Premium trim and 6 kW for the Ultimate trim. Both can reach full charge from zero percent in as fast as five hours as equipped (estimated charging times based on a 240V power supply). With the available accessory onboard charging system, rates can be boosted to 6 kW for Premium and 9 kW for Ultimate for up to 50% faster charge times. A 240V power supply can deliver more than four-times faster charging than a standard 120V outlet.

-- Torque and carry. Ranger XP Kinetic delivers 110 hp and 140lb-ft of instant torque. It tows 2,500 pounds and can carry 1,250 pounds of cargo.

-- Specifications. Ranger XP Kinetic features 14-inches of ground clearance and is equipped with 29-inch, 8-ply Pro Armor X-Terrain tires. Ten inches of suspension travel gives the Kinetic smooth travel over rough terrain. The Ranger also features a full-coverage front bumper and full-body skid plate.

-- Conveniences and settings. A 12-volt cargo box outlet is convenient for powering accessories like sprayers or charging portable batteries. A new shifter design includes high, low, neutral and park. A new, integrated switch controls forward and reverse. In addition to high and low gear, Kinetic has three drive modes. 1) Eco+ optimizes torque and top speed for maximum range and light duty jobs. 2) Standard optimizes throttle response for everyday driving and moderate-sized jobs. 3) Sport optimizes throttle response for spirited driving and the toughest jobs.

-- Ride Command. The Ranger Kinetic is available with a seven-inch infotainment screen with Ride Command technology. For example, riders have the ability to see estimated remaining range and the battery state of charge directly on the seven-inch screen. Riders can even drop a waypoint on their charging location and see how far away they are from their next charge.

-- Ride Command+. Ranger Kinetic offers a suite of connected technologies with Ride Command+. For example, owners can stay on top of repairs with vehicle diagnostics sent directly to their phones. A remote vehicle locator allows owners to access their vehicle location directly from their phone. Remote vehicle monitoring also lets riders prepare for the ride ahead with charge time remaining, miles, battery level, and more directly from their phone. Ride Command+ features are complimentary during a trial period, after which fees apply.

Ranger XP Kinetic will be available for reservation beginning Dec. 1. First shipments will begin in summer 2022.

For more information: www.ranger.polaris.com. Follow Ranger on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Dan Miller can be reached at dan.miller@dtn.com

Follow him on Twitter @DMillerPF

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Dan Miller