When I saw the emailed invitation to demo the new all electric Taiga snowmobile I jumped at the chance. Love or hate the electric snowmobile idea: Taiga tests were only offered to customers who plunked down a deposit.
I know, as I’ve been trying for the last two seasons to get a ride. Quite frankly I believe there weren’t enough units to host demo rides at the outset, as Taiga was on the leading edge of a ramp-up in production.
To be clear, it’s hard to do these sorts of events during riding season as Mother Nature seems to make our available ride window shorter every year. It’s even harder to believe I’m complaining about riding a snowmobile, but there you have it!
Love or Hate the Electric Snowmobile Idea: Taiga Tests
First, a note about where electric snowmobiles register in our current society. When electric cars first came out, you just knew in your mind every motorized conveyance you ever rode on, stepped on, or observed would someday have an electric variant. Electric motorcycles, watercraft, boats, airplanes, ships, locomotives, and my personal favorite, the electric bicycle, now grace our world.
It was only a matter of time before we would see the arrival of the world’s first production snowmobile, the Taiga. To be fair, Ski-Doo has had their electric snowmobiles available at rental companies in 2024 but not sold to the public. For 2025 Ski-Doo is selling two variants of electric snowmobiles to the public. One is the Grand Touring and the other an Expedition.
And so it was on Saturday, February 10, 2024, I drove to Chittenden Vermont for a Taiga sponsored event. Upon arrival I met-up with sales rep. Luca Bonfa, my early-on contact at the Taiga factory. He started to explain Taiga’s journey of electric snowmobiles and the design philosophy.
Taiga Nomad Electric Snowmobile Test Units
There were two snowmobiles for demo, both were Nomad models. They are sharp looking machines, equipped with a high windshield and LED lights. Taiga’s website touts the Nomad as the workhorse model for the toughest conditions. The model had a Camoplast 1.5 track on a 146-inch suspension. After a quick safety briefing and the obligatory waiver sign-off, it was time to ride. Bring it on!
The First Thing You Notice is Nothing
The first thing you notice is nothing. That is, there was virtually no noise coming from the sled, just a pleasant low-pitched whine. I didn’t even need my Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones, which is standard procedure with my current ride. Nothing changed after riding the Taiga for 35-plus miles.
I could hear myself think, there was no ringing in my ears! Bonus. To be clear the Nomad does not take the crown of quietness in the snowmobile world. That title is still reserved for the 2004-2005 Arctic Cat Turbo T660. On that particular sled you could literally hear the snowflakes crunching under your skis. Nevertheless, the Taiga was exceptionally quiet and I liked it.
The Nomad has a two-up seat and comes in sport or performance trim levels. I rode the sport model. Handling was fairly neutral, and that is a good thing, as electric snowmobiles are aimed at a certain skill level of rider. Mostly for beginners, youth, and first timers, but seasoned riders will also take to the Nomad for its pleasant trail manners. It tended to push somewhat in the corners, no doubt due to sloppy spring conditions that day.
Taiga Nomad Sport with Elka Shocks
Ride quality was comfortable, somewhat subdued in fact. There were no major surprises. That’s laso a good thing, and I applaud Taiga engineers for making the sled so neutral.
The Nomad was spec’d-out with Elka Stage 3 shocks, which is a high-grade option. The seat was a little firm for my 185-pound frame but nevertheless does the job.
I did bottom out once on a square edged bump encountered at speed. A resounding clunk was heard as it bottomed, no doubt due to the heavy battery pack under the seat. The rear passenger arm rests are somewhat awkward and made mounting the sled a tad difficult.
Don’t Say Start
The 7-inch display lights up once the “start /stop” button is pushed, similar to keyless systems on other motor vehicles, complete with blue accents.
Pushing the reverse button turns the display orange and it beeps, of course.
Incidentally, there is no noise or clatter of any sort when starting the Taiga.
“Start” may not even be the best word to use here. Maybe it should simply be changed to turn it on? I really like that.
Wild Taiga Performance
There are three modes of performance that one can select. There is Eco, Sport and Wild. I initially rode out in Eco mode to familiarize myself with the unit. The trip back was in Wild to experience the upper edge of performance. Taiga claims the machine has direct drive from the motor to the track-shaft but I’m not quite sure how that can be possible without gears of some sort to make the transition.
Performance-wise, the electric motor is rated at 120 HP, which is right there with most 600 two-strokes. With limited testing, I would say that felt about right. The Hayes brakes are overkill, as the 787-pound sled just about came to an immediate stop anytime the throttle was released due to the electric motor.
Battery Life: Love or Hate?
What about battery life you ask? I started-out with the gauge displaying 67% and ended up with 38% after trail riding 35 miles. Very respectable.
Incidentally, range is touted at 62 miles on a full charge. Taiga states the batteries are warmed to keep them at optimal temperature, which uses some power unless the sled is plugged into an outlet.
Looking at the chassis, there is evidence of frame pieces being riveted and bonded. Maybe that’s why the chassis felt so solid. One would believe the bonding was to prevent squeaks and rattles.
Taiga states they make all the pieces of the sled themselves, except the track. The chassis looks Ski-Doo-ish, but the spindles and skis appear more Polaris.
Up front there is a small hood that pops up behind the bumper for storage. The medium sized frunk is a thoughtful and welcome addition to the sled. Out back there is a large rack and bumper assembly for anything else you need to carry. Overall, it’s a nice ride.
Pull the Plug: Future of Taiga Snowmobiles Unknown
Unfortunately, we may never have an opportunity to ride a Taiga again. Quebec-based Taiga Motors filed for the Canadian version of bankruptcy protection from creditors in June, not long after announcing suspended production and 70 layoffs in April.
While they set out to “revolutionize” the industry with the first mass-produced electric snowmobile, mild winters and other factors forced them to pull the plug…for now. Whether you love or hate the idea of electric snowmobiles, the reality of losing another snowmobile manufacturer is never good news.
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