Taiga's launches next-generation electric snowmobiles
The growth of electric vehicles on roads and cycle paths is widely recognised here on Move Electric, yet the transition to electric power is also gaining traction in more specialised sectors of transport.
Leading this charge in the rugged, cold-weather domain is the innovative Canadian firm, Taiga Motors, which is aiming to make electric snowmobiles a more viable option than gas-powered models.
The company has just unveiled the next generation of its electric snowmobile lineup, introducing three distinct new models that are scheduled for release in the 2027 market.
The new Nomad snowmobile comes in three specifications: the Nomad Pro, Nomad Performance and Nomad Scout.
Taiga says the new snowmobile is designed for a longer operational life, while offering a lower total cost of ownership in under three years compared to an internal combustion engine model.
The shift to electric in the snowmobile sector is actually a surprisingly important move. Gas-powered snowmobiles produce around 200 times the annual rate of a modern petrol-powered car, and 40 times the carbon monoxide.
According to Taiga, these emissions are concentrated into a single four-month operating window. In terms of air quality, swapping out 50 gas-powered snowmobiles for electric models is equivalent to removing 2000 cars per season.
The Nomad Pro is aimed towards ski patrol, tour companies and other commercial applications. It features a 60kW powertrain with regenerative braking, geofencing technology and a speed limiter.
Powered by a 120KW drivetrain, the Nomad Performance is claimed to be the highest-performance utility snowmobile ever built. In addition to offering a 30% power increase over the Pro, it can haul up to 1000lbs (454kg) and features performance suspension. Fast charging is available, enabling a 10-80% charge in around 20 minutes.
The Nomad Scout is the lightest Nomad built to date. It sits at the top of the range, using the same 120kW powertrain as the Performance. It also gains a narrower stance, a 2-inch deeper lug track to bolster its all-terrain performance. Optional rear suspension with Elka Stage 3 shocks bolsters performance in deep snow.
The new Nomad range also offers a handful of firsts for the snowmobile market, including on-board power, geofenced operation and live fleet management.
Taiga’s on-board power system delivers up to 3kW at 120V or 22V. The company says this is enough to power a remote cabin, supply a rescue operation or even power a mountain work site.
Meanwhile, geofencing technology means fleet controllers and owners can outline where on a mountain the snowmobile can operate. Supposedly, the shift to electric also reduces maintenance costs, with aspects including regenerative braking that reduce brake wear.
The Nomad snowmobiles are open for pre-order, with prices starting from $19,499 (approx. £15,900 / €18,400) for the pro, rising up to $22,249 (approx. £18,100 / €20,900) for the range-topping Scout.
