In the past few hours, Can-Am has announced a major first for the ATV industry. By unveiling the 2026 Outlander Electric, it has become the first major manufacturer in the industry to introduce a 100% electric ATV. This is an even greater challenge given the relatively limited space available on an ATV to incorporate an electric motor and battery. Congratulations on this achievement!
However, we’ve known for more than 5 years that Can-Am would be introducing an electric ATV by the end of 2026. We just didn’t know when it would happen. In fact, BRP announced in March 2021 that it would unveil at least one 100% electric model in each of its product lines by the end of next year (read the article we published at the time). That promise is now fulfilled for Can-Am ATVs!
Designing an electric ATV is one thing, but doing it without compromising on capabilities and the overall riding experience is another. Can-Am tells us they’ve risen to the challenge! In this article, we’ll take a closer look.
Who the Outlander Electric Is For
In order to design a vehicle for a specific market, it’s important to properly target the needs of potential buyers. Can-Am did its homework and came up with these intended use cases:
- Farms and/or properties under 100 acres
- Utility tasks
- Hunting and fishing
- Commercial use
According to surveys, the average daily use in these environments is 30 km (19 mi).
For these customer types, the main purchasing criteria are:
- Capabilities
- Utility specifications
- Reliability
- Design
- And, of course, MSRP.
Powertrain of the Can-Am Outlander Electric
Naturally, the powertrain is the most exciting part of the 2026 Outlander Electric. At its heart is the 47 hp Rotax E-POWER motor. Combined with the increased torque inherent to electric motors, it’s safe to say the real-world sensation might feel like much more power.
One of the biggest advantages of electric propulsion is the lack of throttle lag. The motor responds instantly. This also enables regenerative braking. You can choose between three intensity levels for this feature.
Drive Modes and Battery Range
To make the Outlander Electric as user-friendly as possible, Can-Am equipped it with three drive modes: Work, Normal, and Sport. The power curve differs from mode to mode, which impacts battery range. In ideal conditions, Can-Am claims a maximum range of 80 km (50 miles). However, according to the manufacturer, most users can expect an average of 50 km (31 miles).
Charging Time of the Outlander Electric
Charging time is often an important factor for users. The 8.9 kWh battery comes with a built-in 6.6 kWh Level 2 charger. That allows for the following charging times:
- Level 2: 20% to 80% in 50 minutes
- Level 2: 0% to 100% in 90 minutes
For those without access to a Level 2 station, it’s also possible to use a Level 1 outlet. Charging performance is as follows:
- Level 1: 20% to 80% in 3 hours and 10 minutes
- Level 1: 0% to 100% in 5 hours and 15 minutes
It’s worth noting that Can-Am offers a five-year warranty on the battery.
The Outlander Electric also features a speed limiter and dynamic power steering (DPS), and requires very little maintenance—all of which are easy to perform.
A Silent Experience
Noise-Reducing Design
The manufacturer has made great efforts to minimize noise. Those who have test-ridden it unanimously agree it’s a job well done. While an electric motor is much quieter than an internal combustion engine, some components can still produce noise, such as cooling fans. Can-Am addressed this with a redesigned fan and transmission mounts.
Tires Designed for Silence
Another major source of noise on an electric ATV is the tires. For example, riding on gravel roads can create noticeable tire noise. Can-Am tackled this issue as well. The Outlander Electric comes equipped with new XPS RECON Force tires, designed to reduce noise and vibration. This is achieved without sacrificing traction or comfort across various terrains.
An ATV Experience Without Compromise
Can-Am put the Outlander Electric through extensive testing. More than 60,000 km were logged both at their test centre and in Florida. The goal was to ensure the ATV could handle extreme tasks under equally extreme weather conditions.
As a result, the manufacturer concluded that the ATV can operate in temperatures ranging from -20 ºC to 40 ºC (-4 ºF to 104 ºF). To maximize performance, it’s equipped with a cooling system that keeps the battery at optimal temperature during both use and charging.
For winter operations, the battery is equipped with a heating system that can be activated when the vehicle is plugged in and outside temperatures drop below -5 ºC (23 ºF). This maximizes both performance and range.
Can-Am notes that range loss begins around -10 ºC (14 ºF). Expect a 5% to 10% drop when the battery heater is used, and 10% to 15% if starting cold. That’s quite respectable compared to electric cars. This is explained by the fact that, on an ATV, there’s no cabin to heat or windshield to defrost.
Uncompromising Specifications
Since the Outlander Electric is designed for work, the manufacturer ensured it would meet user expectations. Here are its key specs, which compare very well to similar gas-powered models:
- Towing capacity: 830 kg (1830 lbs)
- Front rack capacity: 54 kg (120 lbs)
- Rear rack capacity: 108 kg (240 lbs)
- Front suspension travel: 22.9 cm (9.75 in.)
- Rear suspension travel: 25.4 cm (10.25 in.)
- Ground clearance: 30.48 cm (12 in.)
Distinctive Look
Can-Am wanted to give the Outlander Electric a look of its own. Here are its key features:
- New 5-inch colour display
- Signature LED headlights
- LED pod light
- Exclusive wheel design
- Coloured front grille
- Exclusive colour options
- Available in Max version with removable passenger seat
New 5-Inch Colour Display
This new display naturally provides the same information found on regular ATVs.
Typical ATV Display Functions
- Speed
- Odometer
- Engaged gear (Hi/Lo)
- Clock
- Speed limiter
- Vehicle modes (DPS, engine modes)
- Winch
Additional Electric ATV Functions
- Power gauge
- Remaining battery percentage
- Remaining range
- Regeneration mode
- Charging information
Available Packages for 2026
For its launch, Can-Am is offering the Outlander Electric in both one- and two-seat versions (Outlander Max Electric). Each of these models is available in Brilliant White and Granite Gray.
In Conclusion
As you can guess, I can’t wait to test ride the Outlander Electric. While Can-Am assures us that its behaviour is similar to a gas-powered ATV in the same category, I’m eager to experience it for myself. Until then, I invite you to visit your preferred dealer or check out the Can-Am manufacturer’s website.
