Canadian Manufacturer Readying Electric Snowmobiles

Taiga Motors completes production of its first customer-ready electric snowmobiles and is working with government agencies to secure final approvals to begin deliveries to pre-order customers in early 2022.

The Montreal-based company is offering three models: the 180-hp Ekko, with an estimated range of 81 miles (131 km); the 180-hp Atlas, with an estimated range of 86 miles (140 km); and the 120-hp Nomad, with an estimated range of 83 miles (134 km). The Atlas is designed for trail/crossover riding, the Ekko for deep snow and mountain riding, and the Nomad for sport-utility applications, Taiga says.

Top speed ranges from 68 mph (110 km/h) to 100 mph (161 km/h), depending on model. All three sleds feature high-definition displays and GPS mapping. A passenger seat is standard on the Nomad and optional on the Ekko and Atlas, Taiga says.

Pricing starts at C$19,200 ($15,000) for the snowmobiles built in Montreal and initially available in North America and Europe. Taiga says it is “in discussion with several governing bodies” about government incentives or tax credits for purchases of the sleds. The electric powertrain carries a 3-year, 6,200-mile (10,000-km) no-maintenance warranty.

The snowmobiles’ chargers are compatible with standard electric-vehicle plugs (pictured, below), Taiga says. Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 charging takes about 14 hours, 3 hours and 30 minutes, respectively. Level 3 charging is available as an upgrade.

Taiga snowmobile charging screenshot (2)

While the snowmobiles can be charged with a home EV charger or on a public charging network, Taiga says it has begun installing its first off-road charging stations as part of a trail loop through two forested regions in Québec. These charging locations each feature Level 2 chargers, as well as two Level 3 DC fast chargers – the world’s first long-distance snowmobile trail with access to charging stations, the company says.

“Today represents the shared dream and vision of our entire organization coming to life as the first snowmobiles come off the production line,” Taiga CEO Sam Bruneau says in a news release. “I am proud of the demonstrated ability and perseverance from employees who together have overcome challenges as we navigate unprecedented supply chain volatility.

“With the sleds soon ready for the snow, we are excited by the idea of our customers being able to ride on these cutting-edge machines that embody winter exploration without compromise."

Over the past year, Taiga says it has focused on ramping up production rates through several build and testing phases aimed toward improving manufacturing efficiency and quality in key areas including battery automation, chassis systems, propulsion and connected platforms.

Taiga Ekko snowmobile