What kind of problems does a Polaris Ranger EV normally have? In this blog, we’ve outlined all the most important things you should watch for when you’re in the market for a Polaris Ranger EV. In the rest of the article, we’ll discuss every single problem in detail. Furthermore, we’ll tell you how to identify it, fix it and how much it costs to fix. Read on!
Also read: Polaris UTV Reliability, Check Your Model Here!
Join our free Facebook group and ask your question there. We promise you, you’ll get an answer from one of our team members or group members. Join the group here!
1. Battery Problems
Battery Problems are one of the most common customer complaints with electric vehicles. The Polaris Ranger EVs are no exception, with customers reporting that the batteries don’t last very long. Electric vehicle batteries need proper maintenance and charging. So, in some cases, battery issues may occur due to customer neglect, including improper maintenance and charging.
For example, a customer says:
“My 2014 EV isn’t holding a charge as well as it once did, and it also shutters or hesitates when you slam the pedal to the floor. I’ve kept up with the batters somewhat well, but not as well as I should have. When I checked them lately, a number of them were fairly low…water far beyond the tops of the plates…I know…not good. Checked the load on the batteries, and the majority were between 12.3 and 12.6V. One was at 11.7V. I believe this is the source of the lower range and surge power. Do you have any ideas?”
Battery maintenance is essential, as is checking the water level. Top up batteries with exposed plates until the plates are completely covered. Don’t overfill because the water will expand when charged. Charge it again, but don’t check the voltage right away. The batteries must rest for a few hours to get a true readout. A reading of 11.9V means depleted, 12.0 is 25%, 12.2 equals 50%, while 75% is 12.4V, and 12.6V equals 100%.
You might try using a 12V charger to charge each battery individually. There is no need to unplug cords. You can test each of the batteries with an electronic tester. One or more of the batteries may be damaged if they won’t charge up to 12.6 or 12.4 volts and their specific gravity isn’t in the green when tested with a numbered hydrometer or four balls don’t float when tested with a tiny four-ball hydrometer. You may require new batteries. OEM Polaris Ranger EV battery replacement costs around $3000.00.
When changing out batteries, you can also:
- Clean the tray, batteries, terminals, wires, and contacts.
- Inspect all cables and replace damaged, corroded, or frayed ones.
- Use stainless nuts and lock washers to replace all cable terminal hardware.
- Place a Battery Mat underneath all the batteries. It lowers battery vibration and absorbs any spillage.
- Install an electrical battery level sensor on each middle battery bank and a visual battery level detector on the remaining batteries.
- Set up a battery watering system.
Check the battery level at least once a week and fill it every other week or once a month. Leave the unit plugged in when not in use.
Also read: This Is Polaris Ranger EV/Kinetic Range and how to extend it!
2. Overcharging Problem
A customer complains:
“My 2019 Polaris was great at first, but the charger is now frying the batteries, and the motor is losing power. The charger is charging up to 68 V, which is MUCH too high; it should never go higher than 58 in regular operation and 60 only during equalization. I’m guessing it’s a design flaw.”
The algorithm on the EV charger comes with a factory default setting of 73. It can overcook batteries, resulting in reduced battery life and corrosion around terminals or battery supports. The DeltaQ charger is a stand-alone item with its Algorithms. So, you can change from the factory default algorithms to another built-in setting of your choice.
Algorithm 71 is preferred because it does not cook batteries, but it takes longer to charge. Also, 11 is a good algorithm, and it will charge somewhat faster than 71. Your charger may feature both 71 and 11, depending on the model year. You can find the guide on how to change the algorithm on the delta Q website.
There are two methods for checking and changing the algorithm on a QuiQ. The first is a manual procedure that includes the following steps:
Checking the present:
- Turn off the AC power at the outlet.
- Disconnect the positive and negative leads from the battery pack.
- After the power-on self-test, connect AC power, and the charger will display the charge profile number:
- All charge profiles will be represented by a sequence of flashes of the ‘80%’ LED light.
- The ammeter LEDs will additionally show charge profiles #1-6.
- The charge profile number will appear on the screen for 11 seconds before returning to regular operation.
- Disconnect the positive lead from the AC power source and reattach it.
Follow these procedures to modify the default charging profile:
- As indicated earlier, switch to charge profile display mode.
- Touch the positive lead to the positive terminal of the battery pack for 3.0 seconds (+/- 0.5 seconds) while the charge profile number is displayed—for 11 seconds.
- Detach the battery’s positive lead. The charge profile number on the charger will gradually climb to the next profile programmed.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 within 30 seconds to progress the charge profile number.
- Touch the positive lead to the positive terminal and hold it there until the relay clicks to lock in the specified charge profile as the default. It will take approximately ten seconds to complete this task. Now you may save the new default algorithm.
- Disconnect the AC power source and verify that the default charge profile is active.
Also read: Polaris Ranger EV/Kinetic Top Speed & how it affects the range
3. Power And Controller Problems
Power and controller issues are frequent Polaris Ranger EV customers complaints. Although the vehicles are for long-term use, they might become stubborn and unmanageable over time. Some customers claim they have trouble turning the Ranger EV on, even when fully charged. There are also concerns about the controller blinking even when the electric vehicle is not malfunctioning.
It can be a controller issue, but more often than not, one or more batteries aren’t working as expected. 80% of Polaris Ranger EV electrical problems, including power and controller issues, stem from poor grounds, bad connections, or damaged batteries.
For example, a customer reports:
“My 2015 Ranger EV is experiencing severe power loss while climbing uphill in the last several months. This isn’t a gradual drop in power, as you would get if your batteries were gone or nearly dead. It is a jerking loss of power, in and out, in and out. It only happens to me while I’m traveling uphill. I suspect the problem is with the motor, transmission, or differential.”
The jerking begins when the batteries are unable to produce the requisite amperage. When one or more batteries become weak or don’t supply enough amps under heavy load, it acts as a breaker and causes a temporary loss of power. Also, when driving up steep banks or slopes, the EV may shutter or shut down. Check your connections and batteries; you may need new batteries.
4. Overheating
Many customers report that when driving slowly and at high amps while climbing or towing, the battery compartment does not have enough ventilation, and the controller gets very hot.
For example, a customer says:
“My 2014 EV cuts out in low range when climbing hills. It now frequently overheats, although it rarely did when it was new. The dealer checked the batteries and flashed the controller. The first day it worked perfectly, but now it’s having the same problems. After barely 10 minutes of light driving, it overheats. The dash light indicating overheating only flashes, but it does not stop?”
The key to getting the most out of the EV Motor Cooling Fan is to turn it on before the warning light appears. For instance, you can turn the fan on automatically when the temperature outside exceeds 75 degrees or when climbing hills. Also, consider installing a high-speed fan behind the controller to pull air from under the seats. It combines with the radiator fan to ensure sufficient airflow over the major parts, including the drive motor.
If the overheating persists, get help from a resourceful dealer or an experienced technician. You can get EV Cooling fans for $65.99 onwards.
5. Throttle Problems
Some Polaris Ranger EV owners have experienced a problem with their vehicle where the accelerator does not respond or responds poorly when the pedal is pressed.
For example, a customer says:
“I’ve noticed that my EV sometimes has a delayed response when I press down on the accelerator pedal. It’s like there’s a lag between when I press the pedal and when the vehicle actually starts moving.”
There are a few potential causes of this issue. A problem with the throttle sensor or the wiring that connects it to the vehicles’ computer could be the cause. An issue with the motor controller could cause the motor to run too fast or too slow, which could also be the problem.
It’s best to take the vehicle to a Polaris dealership or mechanic to fix this issue. They have the capability to read any error codes stored in the vehicles’ computer, which can help pinpoint the cause of the problem.
One owner told me how they resolved this issue:
“I had a similar issue with my EV, and it turned out to be a faulty throttle sensor. The dealership was able to diagnose and replace it for me, and now the vehicle accelerates smoothly and directly.”
There are many potential causes of a throttle issue, such as a faulty throttle sensor or motor controller, or a problem with the accelerator pedal or the vehicle’s batteries. A qualified mechanic should inspect and diagnose the issue to ensure that it is properly fixed.
6. Lack Of Acceleration
Another problems of the Polaris Ranger EV is lack of acceleration when going uphill. If you frequently use your vehicle for off-roading or hauling heavy loads, this issue can be frustrating.
This issue has several possible causes. The battery may not be providing enough power to the motor, which could result in a decrease in acceleration. The motor itself could also be the cause, such as worn brushes or a defective controller.
One EV owner described their experience with this issue:
“I’ve noticed that my EV struggles to climb hills, even small ones. It feels like it just doesn’t have enough power. I’ve checked the battery, and it seems to be in good condition, so I’m not sure what the problem is.”
There are a few steps you can take to fix this issue. You should ensure that your battery is fully charged and in good condition. The battery can be tested at a dealership or auto parts store if you are unsure about its condition. I also recommend checking the connections between the battery and motor to ensure that they are tight and secure.
Take a closer look at the motor if you’re still experiencing acceleration issues, but your battery is in good condition. One possible solution would be to replace the motor brushes, which can become worn over time and reduce the motor’s performance. Replacement of the motor controller, which regulates the power output of the motor, is another possibility.
In addition to these potential fixes, it’s important to keep in mind that the Polaris Ranger EV may not be as powerful as some gas-powered vehicles when it comes to off-roading or hauling heavy loads.
7. The Ranger EV Is Heavy
The Ranger EV is heavier than a traditional gas-powered UTV. The combustion engine has been replaced by an electric motor, but a lot of battery packs have been added.
For example, the Mid-size Ranger EV has 8 x 12-volt batteries under the seats. Batteries are heavy, which also increases the weight of the EV. To give an idea:
- Ranger EV weighs 1,762 lb (800 Kg)
- Ranger 1000 weighs 1,502 lb (681 Kg)
- Ranger 570 weighs 1,485 lb (673 Kg)
This naturally affects the driving characteristics, especially if you are used to a gas-powered Ranger. You will notice this extra weight, for example, in the Ranger’s suspension.
What it’s like to drive the all-E Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic, see the next video.
In short, driving an electric Ranger is different from driving a Ranger with a combustion engine. It all reacts slightly differently and therefore drives differently. You must have noticed this by now if you have read this article.
Sometimes they are not problems, but adjustments, adjustments to electric driving.
