Polaris and Zero Motorcycles are announcing that they have entered into a 10-year exclusive partnership agreement.  The two companies are working together to co-develop and produce a line of electrically powered off-road vehicles and snowmobiles.  As is well known, both companies already have extensive experience with electric vehicles.

Polaris electric vehicles

Polaris’ past and current product portfolio includes several electric options.  In 2011, Polaris acquired both Goupil, a French manufacturer of on-road, commercial light-duty electric vehicles for the European market, and GEM, which produces street-legal passenger and utility electric vehicles.

Then in 2015, Polaris acquired Brammo Electric Motorcycles and used its electric power technology in its Ranger EV.  As a result, the Ranger EV became one of the first electrically powered off-road vehicles in the industry.  It later became and remains the number one selling electric off-road vehicle in North America.

Finally, in 2016, Polaris acquired Taylor-Dunn, a manufacturer of a broad range of electric commercial and industrial vehicles.

Zero electric motorcycles

Zero brings 14 years of electric motorcycle and electric powertrain experience to the table.  It has been manufacturing and advancing electric motorcycle technology since 2006.  Zero’s expertise has allowed it to become the only motorcycle company to successfully bring an entire electric motorcycle product line to market, making it the leader in motorcycle EV technologies.

Polaris rEV’d up

Under the newly announced partnership, the two are teaming on a strategic program named rEV’d up. The rEV’d up program is Polaris’ long-term strategy to position itself as the leader in powersports electrification.

Under the rEV’d up program Polaris aims to offer its customers an electric vehicle option within each of its core product segments by 2025.  Even more dramatic is that the first vehicle produced under the rEV’d up program will debut by the end of 2021.

The new program calls for Polaris to develop, manufacture, and sell electrified ORVs and snowmobiles using Zero’s powertrain technology, hardware, and software.

Polaris and Zero Motorcycles have entered into a 10-year partnership to develop and produce electrically powered off-road vehicles and snowmobiles.

CEOs comment

Polaris CEO Scott Wine talked about Polaris’ goal to accelerate the development of its premium electric vehicle offerings and lead the powersports industry in electrification.

“rEV’d up is about more than just having a presence in the electric vehicle space; this is about leveraging the next generation of technology to develop industry-leading electric offerings within the right vehicle segments for our riders and our business. This is about taking a bold step to do big things.

With over $1 billion in electric vehicle sales over the past decade, we have built a valuable foundation in both the commercial and passenger vehicle markets. By leveraging capable partners, like Zero, we will expand on that groundwork to profitably deliver electric vehicles with the range, value and performance characteristics that both existing and prospective customers want.” – Scott Wine, Polaris Chairman and CEO

Equally as excited by the new agreement, Zero Motorcycle CEO Sam Paschel chimed in with:

“All of us at Zero Motorcycles are delighted and honored to be a part of this industry-changing strategic relationship with Polaris as we collaborate and co-develop the technologies and vehicle platforms that will power the future of electrification in powersports.”

“This revolutionary partnership is bringing together two incredibly talented teams aimed at dramatically expanding the electric options in powersports. Our EV expertise and millions of miles of real-world, rubber-meets-the-road EV experience, coupled with Polaris’ broad product portfolio, scale, supply chain and market leadership, makes this a game-changer for every powersports enthusiast.” – Sam Paschel, Zero Motorcycles CEO

Powerhouse agreement

The rEV’d up agreement brings two industry powerhouses together to bolster the development and production of electric vehicles. Polaris’ 2019 sales totaled $6.8B.  Its broad product line-up includes a long list of powersports vehicles.

Included in the Polaris portfolio are the Polaris RANGER, RZR, and GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; snowmobiles; and deck, cruiser, and pontoon boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons.

Polaris also has a wide range of products to enhance a rider’s experience.   Additional products include parts, garments, and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets includes military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. All up, Polaris serves more than 100 countries.

Zero Motorcycles has become the global leader in electric motorcycles and powertrains.  Its motorcycles are designed and produced in California’s Silicon Valley. Zero Motorcycles combines Silicon Valley technology with traditional motorcycle DNA. It’s Zero’s technology that elevates the motorcycling experience for riders who value intelligent solutions, innovation, and eco-friendly mobility.

With Polaris’ past electric vehicle experience, economies of scale, combined with Zero’s powertrain technology, the future of electrically powered vehicles has just become brighter.

Vezi sursa