According to the American National Standards Institute, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility terrain vehicle (UTV) are vehicles that run on low-pressure tires, with operator straddled seats and steering wheel handlebars. The vehicles are designed to cover a broader range of terrain than most of the other vehicles available for commercial purposes or common use.
Due to the vehicles' capacity to operate through a variety of difficult and long-range terrains, ATVs and UTVs are becoming increasingly popular in various applications around the world.
Electric ATV and UTV vehicles have conventionally been used for sports and recreation, with riders riding through various natural parks and hiking trails. These vehicles are also useful for various commercial purposes such as agriculture, shipping yards, and warehouses.
Additionally, with the advancement of electric vehicle technology, the use of electric drivetrain in ATVs and UTVs have grown. Initially, low-speed vehicles were the first to employ electric drivetrains; these vehicles were used in a variety of settings, including golf courses, hotels, and other recreational places.
As vehicle battery technology advances to increase the vehicle's range and charging efficiency, the usage of the electric drivetrain in more ATV and UTV applications, such as sports, utility, and the military, will increase.
The increasing application areas for electric ATVs and UTVs are also fueled by an increase in EV safety regulations, the increased demand for a better driving experience, and the low cost of maintenance for EVs.
Currently, there are two types of ATVs offered by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), i.e., sports ATVs and utility ATVs. UTVs, which are designed for riding on unpaved surfaces, resemble ATVs in many ways because they share the same transmission and powerplants. The EV versions of respective vehicle models are being developed by many ATV and UTV manufacturers.
Sales of electric ATVs and UTVs are also increasing as a result of significant government and federal agency investments in infrastructure and incentives to support EVs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Due to all these factors, the global ATV and UTV market is expected to grow significantly.
According to BIS Research analysis, the global electric all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility-terrain vehicle (UTV) market was valued at $680.4 million in 2021, which is expected to grow with a CAGR of 21.4% and reach $4,746.4 million by 2031.
Uses of Electric ATVs and UTVs in Agricultural Farms
Earlier, a single and reliable tractor used to be all an average farmer needed to undertake most operations and tasks on a farm. Tractors are still the preferred tool when you require a lot of power for a project, but ATVs and UTVs are posing an unexpected challenge to tractors in many contemporary chores.
While ATVs and UTVs lack a tractor's power, their smaller sizes and agility enable farmers to move across large areas with ease and do several tasks. Take a look at these ten ways to use an ATV or UTV for farm activities.
1. Transportation of farm supplies: The ability of ATVs and UTVs to transport supplies quickly and easily across your farm may be their greatest asset. An ATV or UTV streamlines many kinds of transportation duties and reduces the hassle of starting the tractor to move a few small bales of hay. A large UTV may carry hundreds of pounds of supplies.
2. Plowing farms: ATVs and UTVs can also be transformed into miniature tractors by adding a disc plow or chisel plow attachment to the back of the vehicle. It enables the farmers to begin preparing the fields for the planting of crops or a garden.
3. Cleaning farms: With the use of a rake attachment, an ATV or UTV can also be used to pick up various types of materials. Electric ATV and UTV can clean leaves, pine needles, brush, tree debris, and more depending on the attachment's number of tines and spacing, which are both adjustable.
4. Harrowing farms: The goal of harrowing is to dislodge clods and create a tilth-like soil structure that is ideal for seeding. Using a coarser harrowing technique can also be utilized to cover sown seeds and eradicate weeds.
ATVs and UTVs are light vehicles with mammoth strength to function on rough terrains. Although these cannot replace the application of large tractors, they can be used for rough agricultural purposes like harrowing in different capacities. By using a harrow attachment to the vehicles, one can prepare small farms for crops. ATVs and UTVs can be equipped with a disc harrow, a drag harrow, or perhaps both, depending on the objective.
5. Mowing weeds: ATVs and UTVs are replacing riding mowers in the lawn care industry. ATVs and UTVs can be converted into usable lawn mowers by adding a mower deck attachment or a pull-behind mower, as well as changing to tires that are friendlier to lawns.
Advantages of Electric ATVs and UTVs in Farm Applications
Conclusion
There is always work to be done on a farm or ranch, and farmers need useful instruments to assist them in doing jobs in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.
Electric ATV and UTV vehicles frequently include covered, multi-passenger spaces, strong engines, cargo beds, and other useful characteristics that are appropriate for various agricultural works. They are highly adaptable and can assist one with duties such as feeding, fixing fences, and plowing.
