Texas-based powersports startup Volcon is partnering with the biggest car company in the world to build electric off-roaders.
Volcon announced plans to power all of its upcoming UTVs with “proven and tested” electric propulsion systems provided by GM.
Future Volcon models, as well as the Company’s planned “Project X” vehicle, will similarly be designed and developed to make use of GM’s “Ultium” electric motors, with the Texas startup being the first (and, currently, only) off-road powersports company to use GM power in their full line of vehicles.
“General Motors has transformed from an automaker to a platform innovator, with scalable architectures designed to accelerate EV adoption across different industries and product types,” explains Travis Hester, GM Vice President of EV Growth Operations. “Our work with Volcon is indicative of our plans and demonstrates the flexibility of the platform as well as potential applications well beyond traditional vehicles.”
In addition to electric motors, Volcon has plans in place to make use of GM’s “scalable” EV architecture across its growing product line, using batteries, controllers, and other supporting components to accelerate its future product development and leveraging GM’s economies of scale to bring prices down into more competitive territory.
For their parts, Volcon execs seem pretty hyped about the deal. “Bringing GM’s electric vehicle expertise and systems to the Stag will produce an off-road experience that could set the standard for the entire industry. Having access to immediate power and torque along with the customizable digital integrations that the Stag will offer, creates the perfect balance for a class leading UTV,” offers Christian Okonsky, the company’s CTO. “Everyone at Volcon has worked so hard to bring the best possible UTV to market and our alignment with GM could not be a better fit for making this project become a reality. We save an enormous amount of R&D expense and gain years of drivetrain testing and validation by joining forces with GM. In essence, we significantly reduce our time and cost to get to market.”
Volcon UTV, Powered by GM
“The GM propulsion system will provide instant high power and torque, with AWD capabilities, enabling the Stag to have exceptional acceleration and speed recovery in a variety of terrains,” reads the official release. “Variable driving modes will allow the driver to adjust the power delivery to optimize performance or range according to the needs, while the innovative cockpit will provide a class leading human-machine interface (HMI), including multiple displays, and the capability to generate content and connectivity via the Volcon App. All of which will increase the driver’s interaction with friends and community.”
What do you guys think? Will GM’s involvement make Volcon the de-facto leader in electrified powersports, or will ATVs and UTVs continue to benefit more from the involvement of motorcycle companies than car brands? Scroll down to the comments and let us know!
SOURCE | IMAGES: VOLCON.
