Polaris launches first-of-its-kind free off-road charging network for adventure EVs
Polaris, which pushed hard into electric vehicles with its Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic electric UTV, has just announced the launch of a “first of its kind” off-road charging network in Michigan’s upper peninsula.
Polaris Inc. and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) together inaugurated the innovative electric off-road vehicle charging network in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of the state’s mobility offerings. The announcement comes nearly a year after Polaris was awarded the Mobility Public-Private Partnership & Programming grant through the Michigan Office of Future Mobility & Electrification (OFME) to develop and maintain the off-road charging network.
“It is an honor to mark the opening of this unique off-road electric charging network developed in partnership with the State of Michigan and the local communities along this trail system. Polaris and Michigan are connected in our efforts to bring exciting innovation and the latest technology to outdoor recreation,” explained Andrew Chasse, Vice President of Strategy and Partnerships at Polaris. “I’d like to thank the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in particular for allowing Polaris the opportunity to play a role in such an important initiative for the state and this standout milestone for the powersports industry.”
The new network, which is the first of its kind, spans approximately 100 miles (160 km) of scenic off-road trails and features four charging stations located in Ontonagon, White Pine, Bergland, and Greenland.
These stations, developed in partnership with Texas-based Yotta Energy, are equipped with Yotta’s REV charging stations, which include solar production capacity and 120kWh of onboard energy storage. This technology is designed to function both on-grid and off-grid, making it ideal for remote and urban locations.
“Michigan is known as a Make-It State, leveraging our incredible talent pool that brings together innovation, grit, determination, and visionary products of the future,” added Justine Johnson, State of Michigan Chief Mobility Officer. “Working in tandem with Polaris to launch an electric off-road vehicle charging network in the Upper Peninsula exemplifies how working through public-private partnerships brings ideation to fruition in every corner of Michigan. We applaud Polaris’s effort to support the growth of a reliable EV charging infrastructure in one of Michigan’s favorite ORV riding destinations.”
Alongside the charging network, Polaris announced the launch of the nation’s first all-electric off-road vehicle rental fleet. Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures, a Polaris Adventures Outfitter near Ontonagon, is offering rentals of Polaris’ all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic. This initiative allows customers to explore the Pioneer ORV Trail with the latest electric off-road vehicles while utilizing the new charging network.
Gray Rentz, Vice President of Polaris Experience, emphasized the importance of this development: “Polaris Adventures was started with the goal of helping more people experience powersports and discover new ways to enjoy the outdoors, and this launch of our first electric off-road vehicle rental experience in the country will continue to do just that.”
Since launching the all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic utility side-by-side in 2023, Polaris has been at the forefront of integrating electric drive into off-road powersports. The company aims to enhance the riding experience with electric powertrain technology, which offers benefits like improved acceleration, control, quieter operations, and zero emissions. Polaris is also focused on testing electric prototypes across its product platforms and will commercialize where electrification significantly enhances customer experience.
Electrek’s Take
As someone who enjoys every opportunity to appreciate nature in its most unmolested form, this news couldn’t be better.
Off-road vehicles are a great way to access remote areas and enjoy trails that would be too far to hike, but historically, their loud and polluting combustion engines have been a major downside.
I’ve tested the Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic electric side-by-side, and it’s amazing how it offers the power and comfort of a premium UTV yet is nearly as quiet as huffing it on foot.
Being able to hear the leaves crunch under your tires is something you don’t normally experience on most off-road vehicles, and don’t get me started on the other issues like sound pollution, exhaust smell, and other downsides.
So, encouraging the switch to electric drive in the off-road power sports industry couldn’t come sooner. These types of charging networks are what will make that a reality, offering remote “re-fueling” opportunities that you could never hope to achieve with a gas station network.
I’m also glad to see that these chargers are free to use. Let’s be honest: These aren’t going to be highly trafficked areas. This isn’t a shopping mall parking lot; it’s a secluded rural area. So it’s not like anyone is hoping to make a living off of the few bucks a day worth of charging. Instead, using state money through a grant to offer a charging station like feels like it’s for the public good, similar to installing water fountains in a park or bike repair stands along bike trails. It’s not like the cost to charge is going to make or break the trip for someone, especially when these vehicles cost tens of thousands of dollars. But no one wants to figure out how to subscribe to a new charging network while on the side of a trail.
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After several months of waiting, Lucid Air drivers now have access to Android Auto. Lucid (LCID) launched the popular feature through a software update this week.
Lucid Air owners gain access to Android Auto
Lucid promised it was coming, and now it’s finally here. “Android Auto is one of the most requested features,” according to Lucid’s head of software engineering, Dr Jean-Philippe Gauthier.
All Lucid Air vehicles now have access to Android Auto Smart Driving Companion through an OTA software update (Lucid OS 2.7.0).
You can now view Android apps, messages, and other media on Lucid’s massive 34″ Air Glass Cockpit. For those with Android 11 or higher, you can connect to Android Auto wirelessly. Those with Android 9.0 or higher will require a USB cable.
Lucid said it would launch the popular feature late last year, but it’s just beginning to roll out to Air owners this week. The company website says the Gravity SUV “will support both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,” but no further specifics are mentioned.
The 2025 Lucid Air is the “world’s most efficient car” with over 420 miles of EPA-estimated driving range. It also boasts the highest MPGe of any EV at 146 MPGe.
After resuming Gravity deliveries in April, Lucid is quickly ramping up production of its first electric SUV. Lucid expects to produce 20,000 vehicles this year, more than double the 9,000 it made last year.
The Lucid Gravity GT is now available for sale at $94,900, boasting an impressive range of up to 450 miles. Later this year, Lucid will launch the lower-priced Touring trim, starting at $79,900.
After launching its largest discounts to date earlier this month, Lucid is currently offering over $30,000 off select 2025 Air models.
Looking to test one out for yourself? You can use our links below to find current deals on the Lucid Air and Gravity near you.
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Another entry-level electric car is on the way. The Honda Super EV Concept may look a bit funky, but it could be the automaker’s next big hit at an affordable price.
Is Honda launching an affordable EV?
We will get our first full look at the funky new Super EV Concept at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England, next month.
The concept will make its global debut during the event, previewing a “new, small-size” electric vehicle. Despite its compact size, the company promises that it will be fun to drive, with an experience that is “unique to Honda.”
Designed as an A-segment electric SUV, Honda says the affordable EV offers an “uplifting, heart-pounding driving experience.”
The company is already testing prototypes in the UK. Although Honda confirmed plans to launch a production model in the future, it didn’t specify a date or offer any other technical details.
Honda will also use the event to hold the European premiere of the electric 0 Series SUV. Earlier this year, we got a look at the upcoming electric SUV (also a bit funky looking) after a prototype was showcased at a Formula One event in Tokyo.
You can see Honda is using the same purple camouflage used for the 0 Series electric SUV to disguise it. The Super EV Concept looks like a futuristic successor to the Honda e. However, with a new EV platform, batteries, and motor, Honda’s new models look to be a significant upgrade.
The new EV SUV will be one of seven new electric vehicles Honda plans to launch by 2030. A production version of the Super EV concept is expected to join it.
The new Super EV Concept will make its official debut, climbing the 1.16-mile (1.856 km) hill course at Goodwood FOS, which runs from July 10 to July 13.
Will Honda launch its new entry-level EV in the US? According to a Nikkei report earlier this year, Honda plans to launch an affordable EV, priced under $30,000 in the US, following the 0 Series electric SUV and sedan.
We’ll have to wait until closer to launch for confirmation. Check back soon for more info. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.
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Tesla (TSLA) has reportedly told employees that it will pause production at Gigafactory Texas, where it produces Model Y and Cybertruck vehicles, for the second time in as many months.
In late May, Tesla extended a long weekend into a week-long production shutdown at Gigafactory Texas.
The move came amid lower demand and inventory buildups.
We reported earlier today that Tesla has to rent out empty parking lots around the US to use as overflow lots for its extra inventory.
Now, Tesla told employees that it is again shutting down Model Y and Cybertruck production at Gigafactory Texas over the first week of July.
With the Fourth of July being a Friday this year, it was going to be a long weekend, but Tesla again decided to extend the production shutdown from June 30th through the following week, according to employees talking to Business Insider.
Tesla claimed that it will enable the company to perform “maintenance and improvements on production lines.” Employees are being offered paid time off or to come in for training.
As we have previously reported, Tesla has been throttling down production of the Cybertruck in 2025 as sales are currently tracking about half of last year.
That’s despite having launched cheaper versions of the electric truck, gaining access to the federal tax credit for the Cybertruck, and offering bigger discounts and incentives.
Tesla reported a 13% decrease in deliveries in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year, which the automaker attributed to its Model Y design changeover reducing production.
However, Tesla’s deliveries are currently tracking to be down even more in the second quarter compared to last year, despite Tesla having ramped up production.
Electrek’s Take
What’s going to be the excuse this quarter? As I reported earlier today, Tesla is currently tracking to deliver 355,000-360,000 units in Q2, which would be down 19-20% compared to 2024.
It would be an even steeper decline even with the new Model Y.
It clearly wasn’t the problem.
The automaker had already reduced its production capacity at most factories in 2024, when it ran at about 60% capacity due to lower demand.
Now, Tesla is stopping production of its best-selling Model Y with the new design twice in two months?
This is not looking good.
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