BRP is developing a Rotax modular electric powerpack that we’ll start seeing in their vehicles in about 2-years and will be offered in every one of its vehicles by 2026. Yep, that means very soon we’ll have full-electric Ski-Do snowmobiles, Can-Am UTV, Alumacraft boats, and so much more.
Think about how awesome instant torque and near-silent running in the wild for these vehicles will be! Of course, it will be interesting to see how BRP addresses range/battery longevity issues as well as increased weight in these vehicles.
BRP Goes Electric
BRP is a $5-billion 75-year-old company that creates products for over 130 countries. You might know them for their Ski-Do and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Do and Can-Am powersports vehicles, or Alumacraft, Manitou, Quintrex boats. BRP announced today that they will invest $300-million over the next 5-years to electrify their entire existing line of products by the end of 2026.
The plan is to use its Rotax engine brand to create a modular electric powerpack that can be used across all its vehicle offerings. The charger and battery packs will be developed in-house in Canada. The inverter and electric motor technologies will be developed in-house in Austria.
BRP’s Electric Journey So Far
BRP has been playing in the electric space a few years already, but today’s news takes that to a much bigger level. BRP started its electric journey in 2019 with the Rotax Sonic E-Kart and by acquiring Alta Motors, a top electric motorcycle manufacturer. Also in 2019 BRP showcased a full line of e-concept vehicles, but those concepts have yet to come to market.
What BRP EV product are you most excited about? Personally, I’d like to see the return of a dirtbike product like Alta Motors offered, as they were truly impressive machines.
Polaris Might Get There First
We do have to point out that Polaris is already on the full electrification program, and even has a shorter timeline, with all vehicles being offered with electric power by 2025. (Polaris Goes All In On Powersports Electrification With Zero Motorcycles Partnership) Time will tell which company hits the market first and finds success, however. As consumers, we’ll have plenty of electrified powersports options soon, which is exciting.
