Back/Fox Factory's Upfit UTV Partners with OMI for Innovative Hybrid Off-Highway Vehicles
tech·April 19, 2025·foxf

Fox Factory's Upfit UTV Partners with OMI for Innovative Hybrid Off-Highway Vehicles

ED
Editorial
Cashu Finance·2 min read
TL;DR
  • Fox Factory's Upfit UTV partners with OMI to develop innovative off-highway vehicles featuring a hybrid powertrain system.
  • The collaboration aims to streamline vehicle development, reducing time from years to months for OEMs and upfitters.
  • This partnership emphasizes the shift towards eco-friendly hybrid systems in the off-road vehicle market, enhancing performance and sustainability.

Fox Factory’s Upfit UTV Partners with OMI to Revolutionize Off-Highway Vehicles

Upfit UTV, a subsidiary of Fox Factory known for its specialty vehicle production, announces a strategic partnership with OMI, a leader in electric powertrain engineering. This collaboration aims to introduce a groundbreaking line of off-highway vehicles that will feature the OMI Fusion-Drive hybrid system. This innovative technology merges the traditional power and range of combustion engines with the instant acceleration and quiet operation of electric motors, making it ideal for a variety of demanding applications, including defense operations, agriculture, construction, and recreational off-roading.

The first product from this partnership is set to be a heavy-duty UTV based on the Polaris Ranger 1500 platform. According to Justin Smith, CEO of Upfit UTV, this new hybrid system promises to deliver exceptional performance and adaptability, catering to the rigorous demands of various sectors. The design of the OMI Fusion-Drive allows for its installation across multiple vehicle models without the need for chassis modifications, significantly streamlining the development process. This efficiency enables original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and upfitters to reduce their development time from years to just months, enhancing the speed at which new vehicles can reach the market.

Additionally, OMI's expertise in pre-integration and platform-level optimizations contributes to lower production costs and reduced vehicle weight. This collaborative effort exemplifies a commitment to advancing off-road vehicle technology while addressing the increasing demand for sustainable and versatile solutions. With over three decades of experience in automotive electromechanical innovation, OMI, combined with Upfit UTV's industry leadership and extensive distribution network, is poised to redefine rugged vehicle performance in North America.

The partnership between Upfit UTV and OMI not only emphasizes technological advancement but also highlights the growing importance of hybrid systems in the off-road vehicle market. By integrating electric powertrains into traditional vehicle designs, they aim to meet the evolving needs of various sectors while ensuring rapid deployment and production capabilities. This development signals a significant shift towards more adaptable and eco-friendly off-road solutions.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Upfit UTV and OMI marks a pivotal moment in the off-highway vehicle industry. By harnessing cutting-edge hybrid technology, they address the challenges of performance, efficiency, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing the user experience across multiple applications. As they prepare to launch their first product, industry stakeholders will be closely watching the impact of this innovative partnership on the market landscape.