John Day Fossil Beds National Monument has won the National Park Service’s Environmental Achievement Award for 2011 for its new park house that generates far more energy than it uses. Park staff hope to make the Painted Hills Unit carbon-neutral and energy self-sufficient in housing, administration and transportation.
Polaris has recently loaned the park a Polaris EV LSV to help with the goal.
The Polaris Ranger EV LSV (Low-Speed Vehicle) was an electric utility side-by-side designed for both work and neighborhood transportation. Introduced in the early 2010s, it featured a 48-volt AC-induction motor producing 30 horsepower, providing quiet and efficient operation ideal for environments requiring minimal noise. The LSV designation allowed it to be street-legal in many areas, adhering to specific regulations for low-speed vehicles, which typically include features like headlights, turn signals, mirrors, and seat belts. This made the Ranger EV LSV versatile for tasks ranging from property maintenance to short-distance road travel. However, Polaris ceased production of the Ranger EV LSV around 2012, though the standard Ranger EV model continued to be available.
