Immediate torque along with a Yoshimura exhaust? Absolutely.
I strongly advocate for
hybrid technology
, as I think it gives you the best of both worlds. Not only do you keep the longevity of a gasoline engine’s range, but the hybrid system fills in torque gap, as well as reduces your overall emissions when you’re just tootling around in EV-mode.
Win-win.
However, when it comes to the automotive and
motorcycling worlds
have caught onto this to varying degrees, it’s weird that UTVs really haven’t. I mean, it makes sense for a car or truck to be a hybrid. It even sorta makes sense for a motorcycle, though the package is way tighter. But a UTV has so much room, both under the hood, as well as throughout the cabin, why not just slap a hybrid system into it?
Well, that’s now occurring, though not through any factory program from
Can-Am
, Polaris, Kawasaki, Honda, or John Deere. Rather, it’s coming from the aftermarket thanks to OMI, the folks who designed the system, and Upfit UTV, a Fox Factory affiliate that specializes in outfitting UTVs for specific needs. And, well, the system looks pretty dang dope if you ask me.
OMI calls the system its Fusion Drive, but it’s less Star Trek than it sounds. Basically, there’s a battery that goes beneath the seats and attaches to the side-by-side’s frame. The front differential is then removed and replaced by an electric motor, keeping it all-wheel-drive, but the front wheels are now exclusively electrically driven. The driver can then toggle between the gas and electric motors, or both, through a switch on the dash.
Neat.
According to the companies, “OMI Fusion-Drive’s scalable design allows installation without chassis modification across a range of vehicle models, enabling fast installation and more product choices. OMI’s pre-integration and platform-level optimizations reduce cost, weight, and space, helping OEMs and upfitters cut development time from years to months.” Basically, all this means is that it’s a drop-in solution, making it so you don’t need pricey and long-gestating modifications to your UTV in order for the system to work. This makes it ideal for both private and public sector customers, as well as individual owners.
The release also cites how this system could be used by special forces units around the world where “stealth and reliability” are paramount.
“OMI Fusion-Drive lets us deliver game-changing performance for off-road vehicles,” stated Justin Smith, CEO of Upfit UTV, adding, “The combination of power, adaptability, and advanced technology ensures we’re meeting the needs of even the most demanding applications.”
At present, the firms are preparing to start manufacturing these hybrid UTVs during the first quarter of 2026, which means we have some time ahead. However, the organizations mentioned that their initial focus will be on maintaining Polaris’ Ranger 1500; yet, images linked with the Fusion-Drive seem to depict an RZR chassis instead. Despite this interest, I cannot provide information about pricing since neither company disclosed any details regarding costs within the official statement.
As long as we haven’t determined that number, though, it remains quite an impressive system, particularly because it’s essentially ready-to-use. The real uncertainty lies in whether it will become popular, which hinges largely on its reception in the marketplace and potential regulation from global authorities.
Go Fast, Go Quiet
- What It’s Really Like Riding an Electric Dirt Bike in Total Darkness Using Night Vision
- Yamaha Has Launched Its First Hybrid System, and This Is What It Looks Like
