Rural Horizon - Grant enables cooperative to study the future of electric farm vehicles
By Patrick Soukup
Many of our agricultural members use side-by-sides, also known as utility terrain vehicles (UTVs). Chances are, they spend a great deal of money each year to operate and maintain gas-powered UTVs as part of their farming operations. Central Electric Cooperative was recently awarded a grant from the Beneficial Electrification League to help purchase an electric UTV and study its performance and cost of operation versus traditional gas-powered units.
Through the Rural Horizon project, the cooperative plans to study the performance and functionality of the electric UTV. We also want you to be part of this experience, so we plan to allow members to bring the UTV to their home, farm or business and try it for themselves.
It’s possible that one of the greatest advantages of electric UTVs is the low maintenance cost. As we study the unit, we strive to educate our membership about the ability to eliminate fuel costs, oil changes and maintenance expenses. As fossil fuels have seen drastic price fluctuations in recent decades, electricity prices have remained relatively steady.
New technology and enhanced capabilities of the 2022 Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic have the potential to greatly benefit agricultural producers, which is why we are excited to jump into this project. It also gives your cooperative the opportunity to learn about charging options and what impact it could have on our system as our rural members begin to adopt more electric technology.
As we evaluate performance and energy use associated with the electric UTV, we will share that data at area events and on our website.
Grant funds will be used to offset some expenses of the program. We look forward to learning more about the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic once it arrives in 2022.