Believe it or not, electric UTVs will revolutionize the off-roading industry – here’s how
Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) are popular off-roading vehicles thanks to their versatile applications in agriculture, hunting, recreation, other general off-road riding scenarios. As electric vehicle technology continues to progress, the time is coming for electric UTVs to bring significant change to the industry.
As electric UTVs combine the latest technology with quiet and powerful electric drivetrains, these innovative machines offer several advantages over their combustion engine-powered counterparts, including low maintenance, reduced noise, and higher performance.
Electric UTVs: a low-maintenance advantage
A key benefit of electric UTVs is their low maintenance requirement. Owners of traditional gasoline-powered UTVs will be keenly aware of just how much maintenance is required to keep their machines operating effectively. Combustion engines, especially in off-road vehicles that see harder everyday use, require regular maintenance. That includes everything from oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug servicing, among other things. Additionally, over time, many combustion engines in UTVs will experience issues with their carburetors and exhaust systems, requiring further attention and repair.
In contrast, electric UTVs have significantly fewer system components and moving parts, which means less maintenance is required. Compared to the hundreds of parts in a combustion engine, an electric motor usually has just a single set of moving parts – bearings.
Electric motors do not need oil changes or air filter replacements, and there are no spark plugs to foul or carburetors to tune. There are essentially two primary components in an EV powertrain – the electric motor and battery. Both require minimal upkeep with nearly zero maintenance to perform on those key components. This reduction in maintenance costs and time can result in significant savings for both individual owners and commercial fleet operators.
Of course this doesn’t mean that electric UTVs are completely maintenance-free. They still include transmissions (although much simpler), brakes, tires, and other vehicle components that will need occasional attention. But the major headaches for most gasoline-powered UTV owners – the engine and drivetrain parts – are replaced by nearly zero-maintenance electric alternatives.
A quiet revolution – low noise levels
Another noteworthy advantage of electric UTVs is their low noise level. Gasoline-powered UTVs are generally quite loud, which can be a nuisance in residential areas or when trying to enjoy the serenity of the great outdoors. For hunters, birdwatchers, scientists, or anyone else who interacts with wildlife in their native habitats, the loud noise of a combustion engine can make it difficult to use a UTV to reach remote areas for the purpose of wildlife interaction.
In contrast, electric UTVs produce minimal noise, making them an ideal choice for use in noise-sensitive environments. Whether that’s avoiding spooking the livestock on a farm or enjoying wildlife watching on nature trails, low noise helps keep operators immersed in the surrounding environment rather than removing them from it.
This reduction in noise pollution can also benefit wildlife just as much as the operators, as the disturbance from loud engines can stress animals and disrupt their natural habitats. Electric UTVs allow operators to enjoy outdoor recreation while minimizing their own impact on the environment.
High performance meets eco-friendly design
While the less educated among us may question the performance capabilities of electric UTVs compared to their gas-powered counterparts, the truth is that electric UTVs can deliver much more impressive performance. Electric motors offer instant torque, providing rapid acceleration and enhanced responsiveness. This means that electric UTVs can easily tackle challenging terrain and offer thrilling off-road experiences.
In fact, when Polaris revealed the specs on its 110 horsepower RANGER XP Kinetic eUTV, they announced that it wasn’t just the most powerful electric UTV they’d ever made, but also the most powerful RANGER they’d ever made, gas or electric.
The high control of an electric motor allows operators much more fine tune handling, which makes tasks such as towing much more convenient. Operators can creep up to a trailer more easily, make more precise movements on tricky terrain, and more accurately maneuver in tight spaces.
Ranges vary among different models, but companies like Volcon are already promising over 100 miles (160 km) of range from their eUTVs, which is likely more than most operators will need on their own farms or hunting trails.
Additionally, electric UTVs produce zero emissions, making them an environmentally responsible choice. As the world continues to face the consequences of climate change, the adoption of electric vehicles, including UTVs, is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable transportation.
The future of electric UTVs
As electric UTV technology continues to improve and battery costs decrease, we can expect to see a more significant shift towards electric UTV adoption. Prices currently remain high for fancier, higher performance models like those from Polaris, though lower cost eUTVs are also entering the market. New startups are also getting into the eUTV action with the launch of impressive-looking new models; even Asian companies are joining the fray with lower cost offerings that could soon be imported to the US and Europe.
This increase in development of electric off-road vehicles will result in a growing number of manufacturers developing electric models and expanding their offerings, leading to greater competition and innovation within the industry.
Make no mistake: The electric UTV revolution is here, and it is set to change the industry with its low maintenance, reduced noise levels, and higher performance. Embracing this change will not only benefit individual users and commercial operators but also contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet. You may not be interested in all of the benefits, but any one of them is enough to prove the advantage of electric UTVs.
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Ava Community Energy just rolled out a new program in California that pays EV and plug-in hybrid drivers for charging their cars when electricity on the grid is cleaner and cheaper.
The new Ava SmartHome Charging program, launched in partnership with home energy analytics platform Optiwatt, offers up to $100 in incentives in the first year. And because the program helps shift home charging to lower-cost hours, Ava says drivers could save around $140 a year on their energy bills.
EV and PHEV owners who are Ava customers can download the Optiwatt app for free, connect their vehicle, and let the app handle the rest. The app uses an algorithm to automatically schedule charging when demand is low and more renewable energy is available, typically overnight or during off-peak hours.
“Ava is on a mission to provide 100% clean energy to our customers by 2030,” said CEO Howard Chang. “This new program helps us get there by giving people an easy way to charge on more renewable energy while simultaneously saving money.”
Drivers who enroll get a $75 bonus for joining, and can earn an extra $25 per year if they stay enrolled. Optiwatt shifts charging to off-peak times, and it takes into account the customer’s individual schedules and preferences.
Casey Donahue, who founded Optiwatt, says this program is a win for everyone. “We can move a lot of energy use to cleaner, more affordable times by using smart algorithms and the growing EV base,” he said. “That benefits every Ava customer.”
The program is available to most EVs and plug-in hybrids. All it takes is signing up through the Optiwatt app (iOS, Android, or web) and completing a quick verification process. Savings and rewards start right away.
The Oakland-based not-for-profit public power provider aims to enroll at least 5,000 vehicles by the end of 2025. The company says this program is the first step in a broader virtual power plant (VPP) strategy. It’s powered by Lunar Energy’s Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) platform, Gridshare, which will help Ava coordinate energy from EVs, home batteries, and more.
Ava Community Energy was founded in 2018 and now serves 2 million people in Alameda County, California, and the cities of Tracy, Stockton, and Lathrop.
Read more: California now has nearly 50% more EV chargers than gas nozzles
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Environment
Jeep is teasing the new Grand Cherokee, but where’s the EV version of its best-selling SUV?
The Grand Cherokee is due for a refresh, and we just got our first look at it. Jeep claimed “the next chapter in the story of America’s best-selling full-size SUV begins” after releasing the first official images of the updated model. When will we see the Jeep Grand Cherokee as an EV?
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee first look
Days after revealing the new Compass, Jeep is teasing another refreshed model, its best-selling Grand Cherokee.
Although it was the best-selling full-size SUV in the US last year, the Grand Cherokee is due for an update. The latest model was launched in 2021, but Jeep added a two-row version in 2022.
It remained Jeep’s top seller in the US last year with over 216,000 models sold, but sales were down 12% compared to 2023. It was also one of the best-selling plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles, with over 27,500 4xe models
Jeep is giving us our first official look at the updated 2026 Grand Cherokee, inside and out. The first image previews the front end, which features new LED headlights and a revamped seven-slot grille, similar to the new Compass.
The interior is restyled with a simplified setup and other minor infotainment and climate control display adjustments. The preview also shows an added passenger screen.
When will Jeep launch the Grand Cherokee EV?
Jeep will continue to assemble the updated SUV in Detroit. The new 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available as a two-row, three-row L, and a plug-in hybrid 4xe, but when will we see an EV version? The outgoing 4xe model is already one of the top three selling PHEVs in the US, so a fully electric version would make sense.
As part of its 2023 agreement with the UAW, Jeep revealed plans to launch the Grand Cherokee EV in 2027. It was scheduled to be built at the Detroit Assembly Complex, but plans have likely changed since then.
Jeep’s new Compass will be available as an EV, but only in Europe. At least for now. Stellantis halted operations at its Brampton Assembly plant earlier this year, where the Compass is built, as it “reassesses its product strategy in North America.”
For those in the US, Jeep currently offers one EV. The Wagoneer S (pictured on the left above), Jeep’s first global electric SUV, starts at $65,200 and has a range of up to 294 miles.
Later this year, Jeep is expected to launch the Recon EV (pictured on the right above), a rugged electric SUV like a Wrangler.
Jeep is currently offering employee pricing plus an extra $1,500 cash allowance on top of the $7,500 EV tax credit on 2025 Wagoneer S models. If you’re looking to snag some savings, you can use our link to find Jeep Wagoneer S models in your area today.
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Can Kia’s first electric sedan live up to the hype? After launching the EV4 in Korea, we are finally seeing it in action. A new test drive of the EV4 gives us a closer look at what to expect as Kia prepares to take it global. Here’s how it went down.
Kia EV4 test drive: The good, the bad, and the ugly
Kia claims the EV4 will “set a new standard in electric vehicles” with long-range capabilities, fast charging, and a sleek new design.
The electric sedan features a unique, almost sports-car-like profile with a long-tail silhouette and added roof spoiler.
Kia claims it is “the new look of a sedan fit for the era of electrification.” Despite its four-door design, the company is calling it a new type of sedan.
The design is not only eye-catching, but it’s also super efficient. With a drag coefficient of just 0.23, the EV4 is Kia’s most aerodynamic vehicle so far, enabling maximum driving range and efficiency.
Kia opened EV4 orders in South Korea in March, starting at about $29,000 (41.92 million won). It’s available with two battery options: 58.2 kWh and 81.4 kWh. The entry-level “Standard Air” model, powered by the 58.2 kWh battery, is rated with up to 237 miles of driving range.
The “Long-Range Air” variant starts at 46.29 million won ($31,800) and has a driving range of up to 331 miles (533 km) in Korea.
With charging speeds of up to 350 kW, the EV4 can charge from 10% to 80% in around 29 minutes. The long-range battery will take about 31 minutes.
The interior boasts Kia’s latest ccNC infotainment system with a 30″ Ultra-wide Panoramic Display. The setup includes dual 12.3″ driver displays, navigation screens, and a 5″ air conditioning panel.
With deliveries kicking off, we are seeing some of the first test drives come out. A review from HealerTV gives us a better idea of what it’s like to drive the EV4 in person.
Sitting next to Kia’s first pickup, the Tasman, the reviewer mentions the EV4 feels “particularly newer.” The test drive starts around the city with a ride quality similar to that of the K5, if not even better.
As you can see from the camera shaking, the ride feels “a bit uncomfortable” on rough roads. However, on normal surfaces and speed bumps, Kia’s electric sedan “feels neither too soft nor too hard,” just normal. The reviewer calls the EV4’s overall ride quality “quite ordinary” with “nothing particularly special about it.”
When accelerating, the electric car was smooth in the beginning but felt “a little lacking in later stages.” Overall, it should be enough for everyday use.
One of the biggest issues was that the rear window appeared too low. The rear brake lights also stick out, making it hard to see clearly through the rearview.
Keep in mind that the test drive was the Korean-spec EV4. Kia will launch the EV4 in Europe later this year and in the US in early 2026.
In the US, the EV4 will include a built-in NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers and a driving range of up to 330 (EPA-est) miles. Prices will be revealed closer to launch, but the EV4 is expected to start at around $35,000 to $40,000.
Would you buy Kia’s electric sedan for around $35,000? Or would you rather have the Tesla Model 3, which starts at $42,490 in the US and has up to 363 miles of range? Let us know in the comments.
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