Electric side-by-sides are utility vehicles powered by rechargeable batteries instead of gasoline engines

An electric side-by-side UTV (utility terrain vehicle) is a two- to six-seat off-road vehicle that runs on battery power rather than a gas engine. Instead of a fuel tank, it has a large rechargeable battery pack underneath or mounted to the frame. You plug it in to charge, much like an electric car, and then drive it until the battery runs low.

The main difference between electric and gas side-by-sides is what powers them and what that means for your operating costs and maintenance. Electric models produce no exhaust, run nearly silently, and cost far less to fuel and maintain. Gas models have longer range on a single tank and are easier to refuel anywhere, but they require oil changes, spark plug replacements, and produce noise and fumes.

Electric side-by-sides are still newer to the market than gas versions, so your choices are more limited and prices tend to be higher upfront. However, the lower cost to run them over time can offset that initial expense, depending on how much you use the vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Electric side-by-sides cost significantly less to operate per mile than gas models because electricity is cheaper than fuel and there is no oil or spark plug maintenance.
  • Battery range on a single charge typically falls between 40 and 150 miles depending on the model, terrain, and driving speed.
  • Charging time varies from two to eight hours depending on the charger type and battery size, so you need reliable access to a power outlet.
  • Electric models run quietly and produce zero emissions, making them better for noise-sensitive areas and the environment.
  • Gas side-by-sides still offer longer range and faster refueling, which matters if you plan long trips far from charging infrastructure.

How battery range and charging time work in practice

The distance an electric side-by-side travels on one charge depends on several factors: the size of the battery, how fast you drive, the terrain you cross, and the weight you carry. A smaller model might go 40 to 60 miles on flat ground at moderate speed, while a larger one could reach 100 to 150 miles under the same conditions. Steep hills, sand, and high speeds all drain the battery faster.

Charging time is not fixed. A standard 120-volt household outlet (the kind you use for lamps) might take six to eight hours to fully charge a large battery. A 240-volt outlet, like the one that powers an electric clothes dryer, can do the same job in two to four hours. Some manufacturers offer fast chargers that can reach 80 percent charge in under an hour, but these are less common and cost extra.

You need to plan your trips around charging availability. If you own land with a power outlet in a garage or shed, charging overnight is straightforward. If you trailer your side-by-side to a remote location, you will need to bring a portable charger or plan to charge before you leave home.

Operating costs compared to gas side-by-sides

The cost to run an electric side-by-side is lower than gas in almost every way. Electricity costs roughly one-third to one-half as much as gasoline per mile of travel, depending on your local power rates. An electric model that costs $0.05 per mile to charge might cost $0.12 to $0.15 per mile in fuel if it ran on gas.

Maintenance costs are dramatically lower. Electric motors have no oil to change, no spark plugs to replace, no air filters to clean, and no transmission fluid to service. Brake pads and tires wear out on both types, but that is where the similarity ends. A gas side-by-side needs regular tune-ups; an electric one does not. Over five years of moderate use, this difference can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars.

The trade-off is the upfront purchase price. Electric side-by-sides typically cost $2,000 to $5,000 more than comparable gas models. If you use the vehicle frequently, the fuel and maintenance savings will recover that difference within a few years. If you use it rarely, you may never recoup the extra cost.

Terrain and weather performance

Electric side-by-sides perform well on most terrain where gas models do. They climb hills, cross water crossings, and handle sand and rock. The when ready torque from electric motors actually gives some models an advantage in low-speed climbing and muddy conditions compared to gas engines.

Cold weather reduces battery range, sometimes significantly. A battery that gives you 100 miles in 70-degree weather might only give you 60 to 70 miles in freezing temperatures. This is the same issue electric cars face. If you live in a cold climate or use the vehicle in winter, plan for shorter trips or keep a charger accessible.

Rain and water crossings are safe in electric side-by-sides because the battery and motor are sealed and grounded. The vehicle is not more or less waterproof than a gas model. However, salt water and repeated deep water crossings can corrode electrical connections over time, so rinse the underside after beach or saltwater use.

Noise and environmental impact

Electric side-by-sides run almost silently compared to gas engines. This matters if you ride on private land near neighbors, in areas with noise ordinances, or straightforward prefer a quieter experience. You will hear tire noise and wind, but not engine roar. Some riders find the quiet unsettling at first because they are used to engine sound as feedback.

Environmentally, electric side-by-sides produce zero tailpipe emissions and no fuel spills. The electricity that charges them comes from a power grid that may include fossil fuels, so they are not zero-emission in an absolute sense, but they are cleaner than gas vehicles in most regions. If your local power comes from renewable sources, the environmental benefit is larger.

Popular electric side-by-side models and what to expect

Several manufacturers now offer electric side-by-sides. Polaris makes the RZR EV, which seats four and has a range around 80 miles. John Deere offers the Gator XUV865M, a utility-focused model with a 60-mile range. Textron Off Road produces the Wildtrak, designed for work and recreation. Smaller manufacturers like Volcon and Renegade also make electric models, often with lower prices but less dealer support.

Each model differs in seating, cargo capacity, battery size, and price. Before buying, test-drive the models available in your area and ask dealers about warranty coverage on the battery, which is the most expensive component. Battery warranties typically last five to ten years or a set number of miles, whichever comes first.

Dealer availability matters more with electric models than gas ones because fewer shops are trained to service them. If you live far from a dealer, factor in travel time for repairs or ask the dealer about mobile service options.

When a gas side-by-side might be the better choice

Gas side-by-sides remain the right choice for certain situations. If you regularly take long trips far from home and charging infrastructure, gas gives you more range and faster refueling. If you use the vehicle only a few times a year, the upfront cost savings of gas may outweigh the operating savings of electric. If you live somewhere with unreliable electricity or no garage to charge in, gas is more practical.

Gas models also have a larger used market and more aftermarket parts available, which can matter if you want to customize or repair your vehicle. If you plan to keep the side-by-side for ten or more years, the long-term reliability track record of gas engines is better established than that of electric batteries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an electric side-by-side battery last before it needs replacement?

Most manufacturers warranty batteries for five to ten years or 50,000 to 100,000 miles. In practice, batteries often last longer, but capacity gradually decreases over time. After ten years, you might have 70 to 80 percent of the original range. Replacement battery packs cost $3,000 to $8,000 depending on the model.

Can I charge an electric side-by-side at a regular household outlet?

Yes, a standard 120-volt outlet will charge it, but slowly—typically six to eight hours for a full charge. A 240-volt outlet charges much faster, in two to four hours. If you own the vehicle, installing a 240-volt outlet in your garage or shed is worth the cost if you plan to charge regularly.

What happens if the battery dies while I am driving?

The vehicle will slow down gradually as the battery depletes, similar to how a gas engine sputters when fuel runs out. You will not lose power suddenly. Most models have a battery gauge on the dashboard, so you can see how much charge remains and plan to stop before it is empty.

Are electric side-by-sides safe in rain or water?

Yes, the battery and motor are sealed and waterproof. You can drive through rain and shallow water crossings safely. However, repeated deep water crossings or saltwater exposure can corrode electrical connections over time, so rinse the underside after use in harsh conditions.

Do I need a special license to drive an electric side-by-side?

Licensing requirements depend on your state and where you drive. Off-road use on private land typically requires no license. Public land use and street use have different rules. Check your state's off-road vehicle regulations or contact your local parks department for specifics.