In the market for a new 4WD four-seater. We have terrain but it's not crazy.

Anybody own an electric? Thoughts on it vs. gas models?

TIA.

When I'm out in the middle of the woods or knee deep in mud....I can always fill my buggy back up with gas. I can't charge it there.

I suppose if it's really light duty and you have a constant source of power to charge it every night or after every use, electric might be fine. But it will never be for me.

Biggest advantage will be sound, on that front it will have a gas engine beat. But that is probably the only box it can check over gas.

I agree. Sound is the only plus

If you want it to last buy a gas/diesel

I have to agree with the consensus on gas. Everyone has their favorite make / model that we can argue all day. I'm on the hunt for a cheap electric golf cart to drive me to the stand at night to hunt hogs, but it will be for really that purpose only. My gas powered will always be primary

I have an electric riding mower. I'd probably go with gas for an ATV.

if you buy electric go on ahead and put away another $5 to 6,000 to pay for new batteries when they crap out... I have 4 of the golf cart / fork lift electric batteries in my motorhome, those stupid things are so over priced its not funny, be careful what you wish for, these batteries are getting out of hand on price

Electric - 72V Li Ion.

The 72V are fast, quiet and run for a long time on one charge. The new Li Ion batteries last longer than regular batteries.

Neither, diesel if you can swing it and it's offered

I have had a Polaris Ranger EV for 6 years now. Paid $11,000 new for it. Last year spent $2700 for all new dry cell batteries.
I bought for hog huntin on our ranch in Junction. I also have the exact same unit in gas.
It's loud and noisy.
I had lots of reservations about the EV.
We use it on the ranch every day. 4-5 miles a day. I charge it every three days..... not because it's low... I just do it then.
It goes places better than the gas one. On steep ditches it crawls up the steep inclines much easier than the gas does. It has the same 4wd options as the gas. 4 WD. 4WD diff lock. Low range etc.
Frankly it's all I use now for general ranch work everyday.
Has been a pleasant surprise and will by another one when or if I ever wear it out.
In 6 years, other than batteries on year 5 I never have had one issue with it.
I grease it every month and it's been great.
I am not a EV car or truck advocate.
I also own a Can Am HD10 Lonestar.
When we have guest I use it.
For normal everyday ranch work. I use the EV. Sold the gas one as no longer used the damn noisy thing.
I can get within 10 yards of hogs with it.

Is there an option of replacing the flooded lead acid batteries for LiFePO4?

When I bought mine Polaris offered a Lithium option but it doubled the price.
I understand that the new Polaris EVs now offer a much better deal with Lithium, but I have not checked it out.
As I said we use our EV daily on the ranch. I even pull my trailer with my Bobcat 225 welder and ocy/acetylene bottled with it a lot.
It has been a great machine.
I also have a three year old one at our farm in the Ozarks. Very hilly and rocky and cold weather.
It has worked great for us there as well.

I replaced all in my Polaris EV last year for $2700. Dry cell. Got 5 years outta the wet cell.
The way we use it everyday on the ranch the fuel savings more than paid for the replacement batts.

Yes. Couple of companies make a whole kit... batteries and charger for older Polaris EV's.

ConfidentAg said:

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Is there an option of replacing the flooded lead acid batteries for LiFePO4?

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I'm certain its doable. I've converted 3 golf carts from Lead Acid to LiFePO4, and its been quite easy. From 2 minutes of googling, it appears that Polaris utilizes 8 standard 12V batteries in a 48V setup. Would be quite easy to convert. Depending on the desired range and performance, you could convert for $2500 on up to $15,000 if you got really crazy with it. To match the standard 15kWh Polaris's oem lead acid setup uses will run about $6500, but remember the lead acid replacement is already over $3,000 thus its just a $3500 delta with upside in both discharge performance and batttery lifespan of 3X.

One potentially major downside to the conversion in a SxS setup is that this will relocate the center of gravity on the vehicle. It could possibly ride rougher as well. I have a Yamaha DRIVE2 ADVENTURER SPORT 2+2 which is their upgraded golf cart modified to be more in the SxS space and it needs softer shocks to smooth out the ride after 200+ pounds of weight loss.

The new LiFePO4 cells are a lot better than the old version and places are finally starting to roll them out.

Something to note, if it is below freezing and you don't have battery heaters you CANNOT operate LiFePO4 batteries since most manufactures program the BMS to not operate since it can cause damage. There are a lot more ATV sized vehicle EV manufactures now so the price will come down

Most, if not all of the lithium's the bass boat, walleye and bay boat guys are using for trolling motor applications, have the heaters built in with the BMS I have been told. The northern walleye guys fish in the real cold and I have not heard negatives on them.

I have two fellow ranchers that have done the conversion on the Polaris EV and both said they really could tell no difference in ride or traction in mud etc.
Both remarked now they could carry more payload.... (beer)