BRP celebrates 500,000th snowmobile milestone while launching electric models in Rovaniemi

BRP’s Rovaniemi factory celebrated a significant milestone on Monday with the completion of its 500,000th snowmobile. While this achievement was acknowledged, the company has quietly begun production of electric snowmobiles at the Rovaniemi facility. The first batch was completed in October and will be delivered to BRP’s partner, the adventure travel network Uncharted Society. Sales to other business clients and consumers are expected to commence during this winter.

To date, BRP has announced a total of four electric snowmobile models. Valto Ristimella, the company’s commercial director in Scandinavia, refrained from discussing the technical specifications of the new electric snowmobiles’ battery technology, only noting that the battery pack is heated to ensure optimal performance in cold conditions. The battery, developed in-house, is installed in the same location as the internal combustion engine.

Notably, the weight of the electric motor matches that of the gas-powered engine, which means the center of gravity and handling remain unchanged in the electric versions. However, the fully electric future is still some time away. José Boisjoli, the Canadian president of BRP, stated that the company plans to increase the share of electric motors across all its vehicles but does not expect a rapid shift away from combustion engines.

“I don’t know if it will take 20, 30, or even 40 years before our entire production transitions to electric motors,” Boisjoli remarked, adding that while they’re dedicated to developing electric vehicles, they will also continue to improve the efficiency of combustion engines. He praised Finland and Rovaniemi as excellent locations for the company, highlighting a strong consumer base in Scandinavia where people are enthusiastic about motor vehicles and outdoor activities.