More electrically powered UTVs feature in this year’s Ultimate Guide as a greater number of manufacturers push the low noise, low-running cost and “green” credentials of these vehicles over their petrol- and diesel-fuelled counterparts.

Electric Wheels

The Nipper two-seat UTV continues unchanged with lead-acid and lithium-ion battery variants available, although the long-range Pro LR version offering up to 20 miles more than the 75 miles of the regular Pro has been dropped.

The company is preparing to launch larger UTVs this autumn, but details were not available for this year’s guide.

See also: On test: Battery-powered Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic

John Deere

The Gator line-up has been rationalised with the petrol-fuelled 54hp XUV 835M being withdrawn along with the “R” version of the 23hp diesel XUV 865 – the former flagship.

Remaining models comprise the diesel-fuelled 18.5hp HPX 815E, four-seater 22hp XUV 855M S4, and the XUV 865M diesel.

Kioti

A new CVT transmission features in the latest Kioti K9 UTV © Kioti

A revamped Kioti K9 is listed in this year’s guide, identified as the K9 2410 and featuring an upgraded CVT transmission with engine braking effect.

Top speed is now a fully homologated 50kph, and speed-proportional electric power steering aims to avoid overpowerful assistance at high velocities, while maintaining a light helm for slow manoeuvres.

In addition to the ROPS frame with door, window and canopy options, and the aftermarket Field cabin option with glass doors and heater, buyers can now have a factory-fitted cab with heating and air conditioning.

A rubber floor mat and seat headrests, and electric tipping for the load deck, complete the upgrades package.

Segway

Segway Fugleman range now includes this six-seater © Segway

An expanded Fugleman U10 range now includes a long wheelbase model that provides seating for six.

The U10 Crew Premium is powered by the same 1-litre petrol engine generating 105hp coupled to a single-speed CVT transmission.

At 930kg, its longer chassis – the wheelbase grows to 2.98m – and additional seating makes the Crew 150kg heavier than the three-seater.

Offered in combinations of Grey/Black and Prairie/Camo, the newcomer has a 10cm shorter and slightly narrower cargo box than its three-seat counterparts.

Selected driving setup options, such as the three-step power steering assistance, are accessed through a mobile device app that has several other functions, including real-time vehicle data and security settings.

Shire

China-built Kandi Cowboy e10K has twin electric motors © Kandi

Another contender for electric buggy sales has entered Britain through Propel Energy, which already supplies out-sourced battery-electric quads and side-by-side UTVs under the Shire name.

The Kandi Cowboy is produced by a Chinese electric vehicles, components and battery manufacturing group, and is powered by two motors drawing electricity from an 11.5kWh lithium-ion battery.

This powertrain propels the two-seat UTV to 40mph and a typical range of 60 miles is claimed – subject, of course, to the way the vehicle is driven, its load and the terrain.

Shire also lists the Avatar UTV, another electric vehicle engineered and developed in New Zealand and manufactured in China around a galvanised steel chassis.