As someone who’s spent years running a big property, I’ve grown used to the roar of a petrol UTV beneath me, navigating dirt tracks, creek crossings, and steep hills. So, when I was offered a chance to test drive the electric WEV UTV, I must admit that I was sceptical. Could an electrical vehicle truly match the grunt and ruggedness of my top-of-the-line petrol Polaris? Would the battery last long enough to get a proper run around the farm?
Naturally, I approached the test drive with some caution, but from the moment I climbed in, I was pleasantly surprised. The interior was far more comfortable than I expected. The seats were padded and supportive, the kind you’d find in a modern car rather than a farm UTV. A large screen offered Apple CarPlay, GPS, a reverse camera system, and a decent sound system to blare our music as we drove around.
We set off along the dirt road that cuts through the property. I braced myself for a bumpy ride; after all, UTVs are usually tested by their ability to handle rough terrain, not smooth luxury. To my dismay, the ride was remarkably smooth, absorbing bumps and uneven patches with ease. It was a quiet and controlled experience, no rattling, no jarring shocks, just a steady ride.
One of the noticeable differences was the sheer silence of the vehicle. In comparison to my petrol UTV, where the engine noise is unavoidable and spooks the cattle if I drive too close. This is not the case with the VLCN. We were able to approach the herd quietly, even getting close enough to give the cattle a gentle pat before they wandered off. For anyone managing livestock, this is a huge advantage, making herding and observing animals much less stressful for them and you.
Feeling more confident, I decided to push the VLCN a little harder. Off the main tracks, the roads became steep and uneven. I braced myself for some rolling back action, expecting a struggle up the inclines, but with a quick shift into 4WD, the UTV climbed hills effortlessly, handling steep gradients that I had expected to be challenging. The ride was smooth, controlled, and far more capable than I expected.
The property is full of uneven tracks, low-hanging branches, and dust. I was impressed with the front windshield and side screens, which provided excellent protection. We drove under overhanging branches, through dusty tracks, and even across a shallow creek, and the vehicle remained comfortable and safe. The visibility was great, and the protection from the elements meant we could focus on driving rather than ducking and dodging obstacles.
Another practical feature that stood out was the rear tray. Transporting hay bundles, feed or equipment across the property was straightforward, and the UTV felt sturdy even with a full load. With three seats, seat belts, and a built-in safety alarm if they weren’t fastened, the vehicle clearly prioritises safety alongside utility.
Battery life was another pleasant surprise; after two hours of continuous driving, only 40% of the battery had been used. For an electric vehicle on a working farm, that’s impressive endurance, and gives confidence that a full day’s work wouldn’t leave you stranded.
Throughout the test drive, I pushed the VLCN across varying terrains, including dirt roads, creek crossings and muddy inclines. Never once did I feel it would struggle or let me down. It was responsive, reliable, and handled every challenge with ease.
For anyone used to petrol models and is sceptical about electric alternatives, the WEV VLCN is worth a closer look. Very competitively priced, available in varying colours and features that boast practicality, safety and comfort. The WEV UTV has been thoughtfully designed for real-world farm use.
By the end of the day, I was genuinely impressed. I went into the test drive expecting to find limitations, but instead discovered a UTV that’s quiet, capable and surprisingly robust. Where you’re moving stock, transporting feed, or just navigating a larger property, this electric UTV proved it could handle the job and then some.
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle for your property, or if you’ve been hesitant to make the switch to electric, I would highly recommend giving the WEV VLCN a go. You might start as sceptical as I did, but in the end, you could be easily convinced.
Thank you to property owner Billy, from Aratula, who oversees more than 7,000 acres of land.
