EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY FOCUS
Meanwhile , both American Landmaster and Intimidator UTVs sell electric UTVs right now .
At its facility in Indiana , Landmaster produces UTVs covering a spectrum of price points , with a couple lithium-ion powered units joining a fleet of gas-powered UTVs . Intimidator , based in Arkansas and purchased by Toro in 2022 , makes mid-size and full-size UTVs and offers an electric model that runs on eight 6-volt sealed lead-acid batteries instead of lithium-ion batteries more commonly found in newer EVs . These 6-volt batteries are easy for vehicle owners to source and replace ( for around $ 200 each ).
Also in the coming-soon category , the Volcon Stag is an electric recreation-focused UTV that could be available later this summer . The Volcon UTV will be powered by an “ electric propulsion system ” sourced through a partnership with General Motors . The Stag comes with a long list of high-end features , as well as a $ 40,000 MSRP .
As is true with the electric car and truck market , several manufacturers are hinting at future electricvehicle introductions into the UTV industry . Can- Am , maker of the Can-Am Defender UTVs , recently introduced an electric touring-focused snowmobile , and has shown electric motorcycle concepts . Honda recently announced a corporate restructuring that puts an emphasis on EV design , though that focus could be directed at the much larger car and truck market .
VERSA-UTILITY Each UTV manufacturer has a strength , a unique character , and a design position that can be seen in its products . That vehicular personality can be what attracts users to any of these machines . John Deere Gator UTVs , for example , align with the manufacturer ’ s tractors . Most of the green-and-yellow machines are pure workhorses . And even the company ’ s “ crossover ” utility vehicles have a utilitarian attitude . Unique to the market , Deere offers a Gator XUV with HVAC controls in its cab , and owners can equip this machine with the same Auto Trac found on Deere tractors for precision work in the field .
Kubota calls its utility vehicles “ RTVs ” and categorizes them into residential , commercial , and agricultural groups . Unique to the UTV market , Kubota
40 SportsField Management | June 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com