The partnership between Polaris and Zero Motorcycles has been voted one of the most innovative joint ventures of the year by Fast Company. Fast Company is an American technology, business and design business magazine that publishes an annual list of the most innovative companies.
In 2020, Polaris and Zero Motorcycles announced an exclusive partnership with the goal of bringing the best electric off-road vehicles and snowmobiles to the market. The partnership will combine Polaris’ strengths as a market and scale leader in the Powersports industry with Zero Motorcycles as a leader in electric motorcycle powertrains and technology.
In December 2021, Polaris and Zero launched their first-ever vehicle with the all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic. The Ranger XP Kinetic’s electric motor is an adaptation of Zero’s air-cooled ZF75-10, the motor that powers the top models SR, SR/F and SR/S, among others. This drivetrain has a better power-to-weight ratio than any Ranger Polaris has ever produced.
The electric drive provides instant torque and precise control when pulling heavy loads or maneuvering in challenging terrain. The complete lack of sound makes it possible to communicate easily and to get started at any time of the day, without bothering anyone. It is also the ideal vehicle for working silently in nature or close to livestock. The Ranger XP Kinetic sold out completely in just two hours.
Fast Company also noticed the unique collaboration and the Ranger XP Kinetic. Founded by Alan Webber and Bill Taylor in 1995, Fast Company is a leading American business magazine focusing on innovations in technology, leadership, breakthrough ideas, creativity and design. They celebrate the partnership between Zero Motorcycles and Polaris for their commitment to climate change and ambitions to take recreational vehicle electrification to the next level.
“As the industry leader in Powersports, our innovation is driven by our riders. We listen and learn directly from our customers and adapt our products according to their feedback,” said Mike Speetzen, CEO of Polaris. “The transition to electric is now happening more efficiently than ever. Polaris and Zero Motorcycles capitalize on their respective strengths and a shared passion for innovation. This is how we succeed in introducing new, leading vehicles to the market – which are also electric. In the off-road utility vehicle segment, Zero Motorcycles’ electric powertrain has enabled us to launch the ultra-versatile, durable and high-performance Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic – and that’s just the beginning.”
“Our industry-leading electric powertrain technology, combined with Polaris’ expertise and industry-leading products, is leading the Powersports industry toward electrification,” added Sam Paschel, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “The RANGER XP Kinetic is the first tangible proof of that, and we look forward to more groundbreaking collaborations in the future.”
Fast Company’s list of most innovative companies this year focuses on companies that make the greatest impact on their industries and on culture in general. Players that thrive in today’s ever-changing world. These companies shape the future with the most inspiring achievements of the 21st century. In addition to the 50 most innovative companies, the list also recognizes 528 different organizations across 52 categories.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.