TOP ELECTRIC UTVs FOR HUNTING

TOP ELECTRIC UTVs FOR HUNTING

Best ways to sneak up on Bambi By the staff of Dirt Wheels

While the electric-versus-hydrocarbon-burning UTV debate rages on, hunters are the most likely to embrace EVs for their silent, odor-free operation. Small companies have produced EV OHVs for years, but the major manufacturers have sped up EV evolution over the last few years. Bass Pro Shops offers its Tracker Ox EV for $11,999, but it’s a 2WD golf kart, and we’ve tested Greenworks’ $12,999.99 EV, but it only did 15 mph with a 20-mile range. There are also EV UTV offerings from Landmaster and DRR, but they fall short in performance or range compared to Dirt Wheels’ top-four electric UTVs for hunting.

HISUN SECTOR E1

Hisun’s Sector E1 is the lowest-priced electric UTV, and it has features that come on high-end special editions. It comes with a roof, windshield, winch, 26-inch tires on 14-inch aluminum wheels, side mirrors and a tilt bed that can carry 500 pounds of cargo. Hisun has won racing championships with its gas-powered Strike 250, and their factory in China is also building Robby Gordon’s Speed UTV, which may someday be available with an electric powerplant. Hisuns are put together in McKinney, Texas, and the manufacturer also makes UTVs for big-box stores. Contact www.hisunmotors.com

INTIMIDATOR CLASSIC EV

The Intimidator Classic EV UTV’s standard equipment includes a 48-volt AC motor producing 30 horsepower, electronic power steering, 27-inch tires on 14-inch wheels, and a 1.75-inch ROPS cage and steel front bumper. Independent front and rear dual-A-arm suspension has 10 inches of travel and provides a comfortable ride. The tilting cargo bed can hold 700 pounds of cargo, and it tows 1500 pounds. We visited Intimidator’s 200,000-square-foot factory in late 2019 and tested the gas-powered Classic 1000s. They’re built for durability and performance with automotive-grade components. Contact www.intimidatorutv.com

POLARIS RANGER XP KINETIC PREMIUM/ULTIMATE

With 110 horsepower, the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic is the most powerful recreation-utility EV, and it has 1250 pounds of cargo capacity and 2500 pounds towing. In addition to high and low ranges, the Ranger XP Kinetic also has three drive modes: Eco+, Standard and Sport. They have EBS with regenerative braking and an on-board 3kW charger. The XP Kinetic is available in only Premium and Ultimate trims, and Polaris Pursuit Camo is available for an extra $400.

Premiums sport a 14.9kWh lithium-ion battery with an estimated range of up to 45 miles, while the Ultimate trim boasts 29.8 kWh of battery capacity and offers an estimated range of up to 80 miles. Top speed is 55 mph. Ultimates feature a 7-inch Ride Command infotainment screen with Bluetooth audio and dash-mounted speakers. Enhanced Ride Command offers drivers the ability to see estimated remaining range, battery-charge level, and distance from the charging waypoint. Contact www.polaris.com

POLARIS PRO XD FULL-SIZE KINETIC 

Polaris Commercial’s Pro XD Full-Size Kinetic is an electric alternative to the XD 1500 gasoline-powered UTVs, but it’s not available in camo, only Avalanche Grey. It is governed to 25 mph for job-site operations, but can be set from 5–40 mph, plus it has a horn and back-up alarm, both of which would alert Bambi. Like the Ranger XP Kinetic, it has dual-A-arm suspension with 10 inches of front and rear travel. Where Rangers have 29-inch Pro Armor X-Terrain 8-ply tires, Pro XDs have 27-inch Obor Terrarex 8-ply radials on steel wheels. The three-person bench seat has Kevlar backing for long life. It’s comparable to the Ranger XP Kinetic Premium for $1000 less. Contact www.polaris.com