Last week, Montreal-based electric off-road vehicle startup Taiga Motors Corp. announced that it had produced its first customer-ready electric snowmobiles and is working with governing agencies on final approvals to begin first deliveries to pre-order customers in early 2022.

“Today represents the shared dream and vision of our entire organization coming to life as the first snowmobiles come off the production line,” said Sam Bruneau, Taiga CEO and Co-founder. “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.”

Helping Bruneau fulfill the Canadian company’s mission to reinvent the powersports landscape with breakthrough electric off-road vehicles are his fellow co-founders Paul Achard, Chief Development Officer, and Gabriel Bernatchez, Chief Technology Officer. Rounding out the management team are Eric Bussieres, CFO, and Jacques Demont, CCO.

Through a clean-sheet engineering approach, the company has pushed to achieve extreme power-to-weight ratios and thermal specifications that outperform comparable high-performance combustion-engine powersports vehicles. Its first models released include a lineup of electric snowmobiles and personal watercraft to deliver on a rapidly growing demand from recreational and commercial customers who are seeking better ways to explore the great outdoors.

 

The electric snowmobiles

Taiga says its snowmobile range—comprising Ekko mountain, Atlas crossover, and Nomad utility models—has instant torque, no matter the elevation, temperature, or riding style. With “zero” throttle lag and a “perfectly” linear response, the company’s patented electric drivetrain delivers up to 35% more power than top two-stroke engines with class-leading power-to-weight ratios. And with its range-topping 180 hp (134 kW) output, the company claims it has created a new category of snowmobile.

Each sled has standard and performance versions with battery packs of 20 and 25 kW·h. They all have a single-ratio composite belt drivetrain, double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspensions, and regenerative braking with Hayes disc brakes.

The sleds offer fast charging and a battery range of up to 140 km (87 mi). With automotive standard equipment, DC fast charging to 80% takes 20 min, but AC 240-V Level 2 destination and home charging are also offered.

An advanced thermal management system ensures the battery pack operates in its sweet spot—even when temperatures get as low as -40°C (-40°F). A powerful, adaptive, regenerative braking system recovers energy when decelerating, reducing wear on the disc brakes.

The Ekko has a 3360 mm (132.3 in) length, 1482 mm (58.2 in) height, 950 mm (37.4 in) stance, and 242-266 kg (534-586 lb) weight (ride ready). The 120- or 180-hp (89- or 134-kW) powertrain enables a 4.1 or 3.3 s 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration. Estimated range is 98 or 131 km (61 or 81 mi).

The Atlas has a 3158 mm (124.3 in) length, 1278 mm (50.3 in) height, 1074 mm (37.4 in) stance, and 247-271 kg (544-597 lb) weight. The 120- or 180-hp powertrain enables a 3.7 or 2.9 s 0-100 km/h acceleration. The estimated range is 103 or 140 km (64 or 87 mi).

The two-seat Nomad has a 3275 mm (128.9 in) length, 1550 mm (61.0 in) height, 1074 mm (37.4 in) stance, and 251-275 kg (553-607 lb) weight. The 90- or 120-hp (67- or 89-kW) powertrain enables a 350 or 510 kg (770 or 1124 lb) towing capacity. The estimated range is 100 or 134 km (62 or 83 mi).

Advanced and adjustable control systems, coupled with optimized suspension dynamics and finely tuned ergonomics, are said to provide unparalleled comfort and handling. Sled tuneability encompasses everything from torque to throttle sensitivity; saving of custom modes to match different snow conditions for optimal control; and saving of user-specific profiles with programmable limits for speed, power, and response.

The “zero maintenance” powertrain has no pulleys or oil, saving up to $2500 in total maintenance/repair costs and enabling less time in the garage and more time riding. A Taiga snowmobile will be continuously updated to make it go further, ride faster, and think smarter, and issues can be remotely diagnosed and patched without the need to visit a service center.

In addition, Taiga’s app allows users to plan rides, track progress and sled operating parameters, and share newly discovered terrain with friends.

 

Ramping up for production and riding

In the past year, the company has focused on ramping up snowmobile production through several build and testing phases aimed towards improving manufacturing efficiency and quality in key areas including battery automation, chassis systems, propulsion, and connected platforms. The TS2 (Taiga Snow 2) was the second-generation platform prototype snowmobile, built from the ground up and tested across North America. The production units will be based on the TS3 platform.

Leveraging its innovative clean-sheet design, scalable technology, and refined mass-production processes at its 130,000-ft² (12,100-m²) Montreal facility will allow the manufacturer to increase vehicle delivery across its product line in 2022.

Taiga has also been hard at work spearheading off-road exploration through electrification. In the fall, it announced the launch of its electric off-road Taiga Charging Network, which began with on-water charging stations for its electric personal watercraft. In November 2020, the company announced it was partnering with ABB, which is offering its Terra AC and DC wallbox charging stations.

Powered mostly by renewable energy, on-water charging installations were completed at the first sites in Lake Simcoe, Ontario, featuring Level 2 charging, and Lake Memphremagog, Quebec, with Level 2 and 3 charging. On-land electrification is beginning in Quebec.

As Taiga continues to grow, it intends to expand the off-road charging network across Canada and the U.S. The company is aiming to enable 75,000 km (46,600 mi) of off-road trails and waterways by 2025, with an additional 1100 locations are targeted for electrification.

“With our off-road charging network, Taiga’s paving the way for sustainable exploration expanding what has been possible to date,” said Bruneau. “By leveraging evolving charging technologies, Taiga intends to harness renewable energy in hard-to-reach artic-like locations, high mountain peaks, and undisturbed natural waterways, furthering our vision of unrestricted access to the outdoors.”

Taiga vehicles can leverage existing charging infrastructure, using automotive-standard SAE J1772/CCS combo connectors, shifting focus to areas yet to be electrified. The purpose of Taiga’s off-road charging network is to enable the freedom of exploration and adventure for Taiga owners without detriment to the environment.

Starting at $15,000, the Taiga snowmobiles are available for pre-order in North America and Europe, with a $500 refundable deposit.