The All-Electric 2023 Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic Is Here

You can save the golf cart jokes for another day because the new all-electric 2023 Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic is the furthest thing from a glorified utility cart the industry has seen yet. Building on the success of the company's class-leading Ranger side-by-side, and using electrification technology provided through a partnership with electric powersports company Zero Motorcycles, the 2023 Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic might not be the first electric side-by-side to hit the market, but it's certainly the most advanced. Let's dig in and find out what makes this electrified UTV tick.

Wait, Isn't There Already an Electric Polaris Ranger?

If an all-electric Polaris Ranger sounds familiar, there's a reason—Polaris does currently offer such a vehicle in its 2022 lineup. The standard Ranger EV runs off a common 48-volt electric architecture that makes 30 hp, has a payload capacity of 1,000 pounds, and can tow a maximum of 1,500 pounds. Polaris hasn't published a torque figure for the motor, nor a specific range or charge time (unofficially, the Ranger EV has a range of 35 miles and takes about eight hours to charge). This isn't too far out of line, however, as the gasoline powered Ranger 500 makes 32 hp and sports the same towing and hauling specs.

See All 11 Photos11

The Most Powerful Polaris Ranger Is Electric

Bumping up to the larger three-seat Ranger XP 1000 brings a 999cc two-cylinder engine that produces 82 hp and 62 lb-ft of torque. Why does this matter, you ask? Because the new 2023 Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic's all-electric drivetrain pumps out an impressive 110 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. This makes it the most powerful Ranger in the lineup by a wide margin. Payload and towing capability for the new Ranger EP Kinetic closely match those of its XP gasoline brethren at 2,500 pounds of towing and 1,250 pounds of payload.

How Far Can the Ranger XP Kinetic Go?

Polaris is set to offer two trims of the 2023 Ranger XP Kinetic: Premium and Ultimate. The greatest difference between the two models is battery size. The Ranger XP Kinetic Premium comes fitted with a 14.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, and the Ultimate gets a larger 29.9 kWh battery. This means that the Premium has a rated range of up to 45 miles per charge while the Ultimate gets up to 80 miles of silent-running EV range.

How Fast Can the Ranger XP Kinetic Charge?

Both models of Ranger XP Kinetic come with an onboard charging system (3kW for Premium and 6kW for Ultimate) and combination Level 1 and 2 EV charge cable. This allows owners to charge from both 120-volt and 240-volt outlets. Polaris will also offer an accessory charger that will boost capability to 6kW for Premium and 9kW for Ultimate models. What does this mean for consumers, exactly? With standard equipment, under ideal circumstances, the 2023 Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic can charge from zero percent to full in as few as five hours. Opting for the accessory charger cuts this time in half, resulting in just 2.5 hours of down time.

See All 11 Photos11

Multiple Drive Modes for Work and Fun

In addition to high and low range gearing, the Ranger XP Kinetic offers three distinct drive modes as well. These include Eco+, Standard, and Sport. The first, Eco+, optimizes torque and top speed for maximum range. Standard gives good throttle response for everyday driving and moderate size jobs, and Sport gives maximum throttle response for spirited driving and the toughest of tasks. As with all EVs, the faster you drive or the harder you work the Ranger XP Kinetic (read: the more fun you have), the less battery range the vehicle will have.

How Do the Ranger XP and Ranger XP Kinetic Compare?

Electric drive system aside, the 2023 Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic is nearly identical to its gasoline counterparts. In fact, Polaris says that 95 percent of available Ranger accessories will fit the Kinetic EV. Ride quality for the Ranger XP Kinetic should be near best-in-class, as it boasts 10 inches of travel at all four corners thanks to a dual A-arm suspension all around. The Ranger XP Kinetic has an 81-inch wheelbase and a curb weight of about 2,000 pounds, which is just 50 pounds more than a gasoline-powered Ranger. The Ranger XP Kinetic rolls on large 29-inch Pro Armor tires mounted to 14-inch wheels.

See All 11 Photos11

Fewer Moving Parts, Greater Reliability

Because the electric powertrain of the 2023 Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic has fewer moving parts, Polaris says that maintenance costs are expected to be as much as 70 percent less than its gasoline equivalent over the life of the vehicle. With no need for oil, filter, spark plug, or clutch maintenance, we're inclined to believe this. The Ranger XP Kinetic comes with a one year factory bumper-to-bumper warranty, three years of electric powertrain coverage, and a five year warranty on the battery.

See All 11 Photos11

How Do I Get a Ranger XP Kinetic?

The 2023 Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic is available to reserve starting today, with the first shipments set to arrive in the summer of 2022. Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic Premium models will start at $24,999 while Ultimate models will carry a starting price of $29,999.

Watch! All-Electric 2022 Polaris Ranger EV