Polaris Inc. and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) have officially launched an electric off-road vehicle charging network in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This innovative network supports 100 miles of scenic trails and marks a significant milestone in the transition to electric mobility for outdoor recreation.
Key Highlights
- Grand Opening: The charging network, developed through a Mobility Public-Private Partnership & Programming (MP4) grant, is the first of its kind in the nation.
- Polaris Adventures Outfitter: Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures is the first to offer rentals with the all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic.
- Partnership with Yotta Energy: The charging hardware is provided by Yotta Energy, featuring a scalable EV charging solution with solar production capacity.
- Four Charging Stations: Located in Ontonagon, White Pine, Bergland, and Greenland.
Polaris and the MEDC celebrated this groundbreaking project, which enhances Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry by providing essential infrastructure for electric off-road vehicles. The network was made possible by a $700,000 MP4 grant from the Michigan Office of Future Mobility & Electrification (OFME).
Andrew Chasse, vice president of Strategy and Partnerships at Polaris, remarked, “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.”
Justine Johnson, State of Michigan Chief Mobility Officer, added, “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 bring ideation to fruition in every corner of Michigan.”
Advancing Electric Mobility
The development of the off-road EV charging network aligns with Michigan’s broader efforts to modernize its mobility offerings and support the outdoor recreation sector’s transition to electric and technology-enabled vehicles. The charging stations are free to use and support various electric off-road vehicles on public trails.
Polaris has partnered with Texas-based Yotta Energy to provide the charging hardware. Yotta’s REV charging station is an integrated, scalable EV charging solution that includes solar production capacity and 120kWh of onboard energy storage, suitable for both remote and urban areas.
Nation’s First All-Electric RANGER XP Kinetic Rentals
The launch of the charging network also coincides with the introduction of all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic rentals at Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures. This initiative allows customers to explore the Pioneer ORV Trail using Polaris’s newest electric off-road vehicles.
Gray Rentz, vice president of Polaris Experience, stated, “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.”
Polaris’ Commitment to Electrification
Polaris is at the forefront of integrating electric powertrain technology into the powersports industry. The all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic utility side-by-side, launched in 2023, showcases the benefits of electric technology, including acceleration, control, quieter operations, and zero emissions.
Andrew Chasse emphasized, “Our approach to electrification remains centered around understanding where we can best incorporate EV technology to enhance the riding experience and provide an incredible offering to customers.”
Polaris is committed to testing electric prototypes across its product platforms and will commercialize them purposefully to improve customer experience.
About Polaris and MEDC
Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), a global leader in powersports, offers a wide range of high-quality products including the RANGER, RZR, and GENERAL off-road vehicles, Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles, and more. Founded in 1954, Polaris is headquartered in Minnesota and serves nearly 100 countries.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness, and community development. For more information, visit Michigan Business and Pure Michigan.
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