Farm buggy users weighing up a switch from diesel to electric propulsion have another option amongst a growing number of battery-powered UTVs in the Kandi Innovator E10K.

The Chinese manufacturer’s two-seat vehicle gained European certification a couple of years ago and is being distributed – with a relatively low-key approach for now – by Herts Specialist Vehicles.

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“We’ve brought in and sold a few, and think it’s a vehicle that fits the sort of roles that an electric UTV might be used for,” says the company’s Daniel Pearce.

His business also operates as a dealer for the Argo range of six- and eight-wheel amphibious all-terrain vehicles and is based alongside this specialist manufacturer at St Albans, Hertfordshire.

60-mile range

Kandi’s Innovator E10K sports a 15.4kWh battery capable of completing a full recharge in four to six hours and supplying a pair of AC electric motors with a combined output of 10kW.

This battery and motor combination provides full-time four-wheel drive, a claimed range of about 60 miles – subject to the usual caveats about how hard the vehicle is worked – and a top speed of 40mph.

As to the rest of the Innovator’s spec, the buggy weighs-in dry at some 800kg and sits on a 1.89m wheelbase with 24cm of ground clearance on 14in rims.

There’s a power-tipped cargo box out back rated at 200kg capacity and measuring 125cm wide and 80cm long with 30cm tall sides and tailgate.

A sizeable compartment in the nose provides storage for the multitude of small, loose items that farmers need to carry around.

In addition, a front winch is installed as standard; it’s capable of hauling up to 1,580kg, more than enough to help de-bog the vehicle should it get stuck in deep gloop.

Individual seats for driver and passenger are housed within a frame open to the elements but kitted out with a swing-up windscreen, a roof panel and half-height solid doors.

A rear panel and bigger doors can be added, and there’s a full cab option complete with heater and screen washer/wiper.