Electric vehicles are becoming more common every year. When I first started this blog your best bet for an electric vehicle to use on your property would have been a golf cart. These days the ever-changing landscape of electric vehicles has created a huge range of vehicles to help with your build. Thanks to Telsa Motors and other car manufacturers electric vehicles have become commonplace. Battery technology has evolved, charging capabilities, ranges, utilities have changed your options for the better.
When you’re looking for an electric vehicle you can use in your build and after for general use, there are various attributes you’ll need consider to make sure that the vehicle will work for your purpose.
- Charge capabilities
- Range
- Battery capacity
- Towing capacity
- Cargo capacity
- Options
John Deere TE 4×2 Gator Electric Utility Vehicle
John Deere has been creating farm and utility equipment since 1837. Starting with simple plows fashioned from a saw blade to one of the biggest farming equipment manufacturers in the world. I have driven and used various of their gasoline-powered Gator utility vehicles. The TE 4×2 Electric is the only electric option in their Utility range. It can take a range of the standard gator accessories as well as being a great transport vehicle.
Details
| Range | Unknown |
| Electrical System | 48 volt w/8 Trojan T-145 batteries |
| Cargo Capacity | 408 kg |
| Towing capacity | 227 kg |
| Max Speed | 24.1 km/h |
| Cost | Starting from $12,995 USD (US price) |
Our Take
This is a battle-tested product that will last for years to come. They use a standard trojan battery that is available all over the world. Meaning that your battery replacements shouldn’t be an issue. It would be good if there where some onboard charging capabilities for tools. generators and the likes.
Alke ATX 330E
Alke has been manufacturing type-approved electric road vehicles for transport, logistics and other multi-functional purposes. They’re based on northern Italy with over 25 years experience. They build high-performance vehicles including a range of off-road utility vehicles. Their vehicles have hundreds of options making it pretty limitless for your configuration.
Alke produces two off-road capable electric vehicles however we’re only going to overview the 330E
- ATX 330E – top speed: 44km/h; loading capacity (chassis): 1.220 kg
- ATX 330EH – top speed: 35 km/h; loading capacity (chassis): 1.575 kg
Details
| Range | 70 km |
| Electrical System | 48 volt 8x6V Lead Acid or Gel |
| Cargo Capacity | 1575 kg |
| Towing capacity | 2000 kg / Max Towing 4500kg |
| Max Speed | 44km/h |
| Cost | Unknown. |
Our Take
Alke has been producing high quality, high-performance electric vehicles for over 25 years. Their build quality, capabilities are built to last. The towing and cargo capacity is the highest of any of the vehicles reviewed here. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a price for these which usually means they cost a lot.
Polaris Ranger EV UTV
Polaris has been creating some of the best off-road vehicles in power sports for more than 50 years. Starting with their Snow Traveller in 1957 after its founding in 1954 as a mechanical shop they have evolved to be in control of over 30 brands in both on and off-road vehicles. I have had the pleasure of driving various models of their snowmobiles and ATVs over the years. Their 2020 Ranger EV UTV is a great electric option for around your property.
Details
| Range | 70 km |
| Electrical System | 48 volt 8x6V Lead Acid or Gel |
| Cargo Capacity | 1575 kg |
| Towing capacity | 2000 kg / Max Towing 4500kg |
| Max Speed | 44km/h |
| Cost | Unknown. |
Our Take
Alke has been producing high quality, high-performance electric vehicles for over 25 years. Their build quality, capabilities are built to last. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a price for these which usually means they cost a lot.
LinHai UTV E-5S Electric Vehicle
Linhai is a Chinese manufacturer that has a focus on the Electric EV market in eastern Europe with a heavy presence in Latvia and Poland. Linhai was founded in 1956 developing small engines and machinery and are now responsible for a range of ATV/UTV vehicles. The UTV E5S electric is one
Details
| Range | 90 km |
| Electrical System | 60V / 5 x Deep Cycle AGM |
| Cargo Capacity | 534 kg (driver + passenger + cargo in the back) |
| Towing capacity | none |
| Max Speed | 30km/h |
| Cost | 7399 € ( European pricing) |
Our Take
Linhai seems to be focusing on the European market as I cannot find any information for the Australian or US markets. That being said, if you’re based in Europe and looking for a small EV with a long-range this might be for you. The tray dimensions are a bit small which might cause issues if you’re trying to haul timber or equipment to your site build.
Toro Workman MDE
Toro has been around for over 100 years and is present in 90 countries. They have been developing solutions for the outdoor environment, including turf, snow and ground-engaging equipment, and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions. They are well known in grounds keeping for the homeowner and commercial properties. They supply the carts for some of the biggest golfing events in the world.
The Toro MDE is an electric utility vehicle that is similar to the John Deere gator TE 4×2 mentioned above.
Details
| Range | 70 km |
| Electrical System | Eight 6 volt heavy-duty T145 Batteries. 500 amps controller. |
| Cargo Capacity | 544 kg |
| Towing capacity | 363 kg with a heavy-duty hitch |
| Max Speed | 16mph |
| Cost | Unknown but available on many second-hand markets |
Our Take
Toro creates reliable electric vehicles for various markets and due to them being available everywhere you could easily pick one of these up second hand quite cheaply. In a quick search, I found them available in the US markets ranging from $1500-$5000. This makes them a much more affordable option for those with a budget. The optional snow plow helps to keep your property clean. Due to the use of the common T145 batteries, you can easily extend the life of the unit for years to come.
Conclusion
This is not an exhaustive list of electric vehicles you could choose for your off-grid build but ones that are available now in multiple markets around the world. Having driven the John Deere, Polaris and Toro vehicles I’d recommend any of those. I’d love to try the Alke unit due to its superior capacities and the cool design. Do you have any of these vehicles? Leave your comments below.
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