Tuesday, Fast Company announced its annual list recognizing the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2022, and honored the partnership between Polaris, the global leader in powersports, and Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in electric motorcycles and powertrain, as one of the most innovative joint ventures. The annual list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies has been the definitive source for recognizing the organizations that are transforming industries and shaping society since 2008.
In 2020, Polaris and Zero Motorcycles announced a 10-year exclusive partnership with the goal to offer category-defining electric vehicles in off-road vehicles and snowmobiles. The partnership is leveraging Polaris’ powersports leadership and scale, and Zero Motorcycles’ proven expertise in electric motorcycle powertrains and technologies to produce transformative electric off-road and snow vehicles. Just a year after the partnership was announced, Polaris and Zero launched the first vehicle with the all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic.
“As the global leader in powersports, we are committed to rider-driven innovation - to listen and learn from our customers and design our products accordingly,” said Mike Speetzen, CEO of Polaris. “We are moving to electric in a purposeful manner. Polaris and the Zero Motorcycles teams have capitalized on their respective strengths and shared passion for innovation, to accelerate our development of category-defining vehicles that take advantage of the benefits of electric powertrains. RANGER XP Kinetic is the first example of what this partnership will deliver: by leveraging an electric powertrain we were able to deliver the most capable, most durable and highest performing Polaris RANGER ever, designed specifically for our utility customers’ needs.”
"The combination of our industry-leading electric powertrain technologies and expertise with Polaris’ category-leading products will accelerate electrification within the powersports industry,” said Sam Paschel, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “The RANGER XP Kinetic is the first proof point of that and we look forward to many more game changing collaborations to come."
Launched in December 2021, the RANGER XP Kinetic sold out in just over two hours. Its electric powertrain offers best-in-class torque and allows for precise control when towing heavy loads or operating in challenging environments, plus, the quiet ride makes for easy conversation, ability to ride around wildlife or livestock, and the option to work at all hours without disturbing anyone.
This year’s World’s Most Innovative Companies list honors businesses that are making the biggest impact on their industries and culture as a whole —ultimately thriving in today’s ever-changing world. These companies are creating the future with some of the most inspiring accomplishments of the 21st century. In addition to the World's 50 Most Innovative Companies, 528 organizations are recognized across 52 categories.
