Meet HuntVe: The Texas Hybrid UTV Company

The auto industry has accepted them long ago but by and large, the off-road market hasn’t been quite so quick to adopt the gas/ electric hybrid concept.

According to Fort Worth Texas’s HuntVe, that’s about to change. The company offers a whole line of side-by-side and UTVs that come in powertrain trims from gas/ electric hybrid to full electric. They boast being the only manufacturer to offer an aluminum non-corrosive light weight frame with the best in class electronic amp controller power, sound suppression, battery amp hour capacity and standard features.

According to their site, “Today electric powered UTVs (utility terrain vehicle) offer the user a unique off road experience. Unlike gas and diesel powered vehicles, there is no sound or smell. For the outdoorsman, hunter or anyone who appreciates the serenity the outdoors can offer, there is nothing like it.”

They do admit though that current battery technology does not allow for endless driving without limitations and steer some customers toward the hybrid route if range concerns are a factor: “The HuntVe Game Changer for instance, can traverse pastures, hills and creeks for 25 miles before needing a recharge. But even knowing this, there might be a bit of range anxiety for the less experience user that is not familiar with electric. Thus, the hybrid electric HuntVe Switchback. This allows for 15 miles of off road driving and another 80+ miles with gasoline generator assisted driving.”

Interestingly- while the brand offers three specific models (Switchback, Amp and Game Changer) most of which are available in either full electric or gas/electric hybrid configuration, the one constant offered across the entire line is 4×4. These machines cater to hunters and backwoods explorers in particular and eliminating the risk for getting stuck is paramount, regardless of what’s under the hood.

We were wondering what kind of life today’s battery technology can allow for and here’s what HuntVe has to say: Under normal conditions, the battery pack can last up to 4 years before needing replacement at an approximate cost of $1,500 for 8-battery systems and $1,000 for 6-battery systems. Note that the battery pack capacity will start to decline in year 3 and is a candidate for replacement during this time, depending on how many cycles the batteries have been used and what distance is required (of the machine).

A battery charger comes with all models and standard 110v/120v (household current) is all that’s needed to recharge the packs.

Their dealership network is gaining footing and the brand offers a whole catalog of accessories from windshields to roofs, racks and winches.

The concept of the HuntVe was born in 2006 from the need for a quality manufactured electric 4×4 off road UTV. Started in Fort Worth Texas, their electric vehicle team combined management and engineering expertise to introduce the HuntVe line of vehicles. These days all models come with a 1 year limited factory warranty.

More information on their lineup including financing options and videos of the machines in action can be found on their official site.