OMI and Upfit UTV unveil Fusion-Drive hybrid system for off-road vehicles on Polaris Ranger 1500 platform

Upfit UTV, a Fox Factory subsidiary focused on customized off-road vehicles, has announced a collaboration with OMI, a global electric powertrain engineering company, to integrate the OMI Fusion-Drive hybrid system into the Polaris Ranger XD 1500 platform. The companies say this new system will bring significant advancements in hybrid heavy-duty utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), with commercial availability planned for the first quarter of 2026.

The OMI Fusion-Drive is a hybrid powertrain designed to optimize power and efficiency in challenging off-road conditions. The system features three selectable drive modes—electric, hybrid, and combustion—enabling users to switch between power sources depending on terrain and operational requirements. The electric mode is intended to enable lower emissions and quieter operation, which the companies say addresses requirements related to footprint and noise in environmentally sensitive areas.

The Fusion-Drive system also incorporates the OMI NEXUS user interface, which is aimed at increasing ease of use and adaptability for end users. OMI reports that the NEXUS UI enables operators to customize drive settings and integrate third-party devices without needing advanced technical expertise. The interface offers simple configuration between driving modes and simplifies the process of adding on additional electronics or accessories to the vehicle. These features are targeted at users seeking flexibility in off-road vehicle deployment.

The Polaris Ranger XD 1500 will be the first platform to implement the Fusion-Drive hybrid system. The companies identify applications in off-road, utility, and recreational markets, with further potential for technologies such as range extender electric vehicles (REEV) and autonomous vehicles to be applied in off-road scenarios.

“Fusion-Drive allows us to meet these demands without sacrificing performance,” adding, “With the OMI NEXUS UI, we empower everyday drivers with powerful, user-friendly customization tools that require no advanced technical expertise,” said Justin Smith, CEO of Upfit UTV.

“The benefits make Fusion-Drive a promising direction for the future of off-road vehicles and open the door for new technologies that can be particularly useful in off-road scenarios, such as range extender electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles,” said Luis Garelli, CTO of OMI.

Source: OMI