Despite the loss of one of the best-known suppliers of electric quads, more electric ATVs feature in this year’s Ultimate Guide than before.

CFMoto

CFMoto’s new CForce 850 and 1000 two-rider quads © CFMoto

A revamped line-up of quad bikes from CFMoto sees the basic spec CForce 450 and the 520 L dropped from the listing, along with the two-rider 625 Touring EPS, which is replaced by an up-spec Overland version.

This package includes an aluminium underside skid plate, shielded lower suspension “A” arms, LED light protecting bumper bars front and back, a 90-litre cargo/helmet box and a front windshield.

Also chopped are the CForce 850XC EPS and 1000 EPS, including the Overland version.

But in their place come the more powerful 850 Touring EPS with 10hp more than its predecessor, and the 1000 Touring EPS available in Standard and Premium versions.

See also: On test: Can-Am Outlander Pro HD7 packs gutsy 50hp engine

The 850, with 75hp from 800cc, and the 1000, with 90hp from 963cc, are powered by new CFMoto V-Twin engines featuring electric throttle control which is said to deliver smoother and more refined inputs, and with work, normal and sport modes to suit different riding situations.

A new CVT, said to be lighter but tougher, also features, along with electronics that provide rider-adjustable settings for downhill engine braking and the power steering.

Rider info, meanwhile, is presented by a new 7in TFT display as standard and an 8in touchscreen on the Premium version, complete with a “ride app”.

Finally, the CForce 625 Basic EPS is a modestly spec- and price-reduced version of the 625 that, nonetheless, retains electric power steering.

Eco Charger

The potential trials and tribulations of developing a battery-electric quad have done for Eco Charger, which is absent from this year’s guide having been placed in administration last December.

The Somerset-based business started by farmer Fred Chugg and his wife won over a good number of ATV users to their four-wheel drive machines at home and abroad, and developed the products over time.

But the company ended up in financial difficulty blamed by the administrator on a significant reduction in sales, faulty batteries and too many warranty claims to uphold; the company was unsuccessful in trying to raise additional finance to rectify the battery and supply issues.

Eco Rider

Eco Rider’s top electric model, the Explorer GTS © Eco Rider

As it happens, another supplier of battery-electric quads has emerged in the shape of Suffolk-based Eco Rider, which ships in complete vehicles ready to assemble and dispatch.

Starting out with electrically powered mini quads for children, the business has now branched out into the adult quad market with machines it reckons are suited to agricultural use, as well as for equestrian and riding experience businesses.

The line-up comprises the two-wheel drive Explorer and the four-wheel drive Explorer GT and GTS, both of which come with either lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries, and all models have brushless electric motors mounted directly to the axle.

Three selectable speed limits keep riders within their capabilities.

The GT and GTS models have four LED work lamps positioned across the front load rack, in addition to the usual integrated lights, as well as a 1,000kg winch and digital instrument display.

Mikilon

The 300cc four-wheel drive Mikilon Hammer 300 © Milkilon

Another newcomer, but with petrol-fuelled quads, is Mikilon – a Chinese manufacturer of sports motorcycles and ATVs for leisure and light work use.

Quad Warehouse, the GB distributor, lists two Hammer models from the range with 200cc and 300cc engines, single-speed CVT with chain drive, swing arm rear suspension and optional road-legal spec.

Powerland

Battery-electric Powerland Tachyon from Boss ORV © Powerland

In January this year, Corvus side-by-side distributor Boss ORV revealed it had been appointed to handle sales of Tachyon electrically powered quads produced by fledgling Indian manufacturer Powerland.

The road-legal Tachyon has a 11.2kWh lithium-ion battery taking up much of the chassis space and reckoned to be good for some 68 miles of propulsion.

Four in-wheel motors provide drive, as well as regenerative braking and hill descent control.

Segway

A modest trim of the Snarler line-up sees the short wheelbase version of the recreation-focused ATV6 dropped, leaving the “L” model with longer wheelbase and an extended seat with backrest catering for this market.

For a more down-to-earth use, the 39hp Snarler AT5 and 44hp ATV6 B remain unchanged, with their steel wheels, steel load racks and colour schemes more suited to a rural environment.