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Lawmakers, VAST flag charging shortfalls as key barrier to electric snowmobiles
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Summary
Committee members discussed electric snowmobiles with VAST director Cindy Locke, who said limited battery range (50–60 miles) and rural charging infrastructure — plus federal grant limits tied to interstates — hamper deployment despite industry interest and localized economic opportunities.
Lawmakers and the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers told the House Transportation committee on April 16 that electric snowmobile deployment faces two primary obstacles: current battery range and a lack of rural charging infrastructure.
Cindy Locke, VAST’s executive director, said manufacturers including legacy brands are developing electric models but that available battery ranges today (roughly 50–60 miles) fall short of what many riders cover in a day. "It's very normal for a snowmobiler to ride 80 miles a day," she said, noting that until battery life improves and chargers are placed in rural corridors, electric snowmobiles will be difficult to operate for typical long‑distance rides.
Committee members raised economic development opportunities tied to charging — suggesting businesses along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and other trail hubs could host chargers that attract riders to stop for food or lodging. Locke said VAST has discussed the idea with the Agency of Transportation and the Department of Economic Development (ACCD) and that targeting rural grant programs might help, but she stressed that most federal charging grants currently emphasize siting within a set mileage of interstates and do not prioritize remote rural corridors.
Locke noted prior work with an electric snowmobile company (Taiga) that demonstrated potential but later folded; legacy manufacturers (BRP, Polaris) are working on technology. She and committee members recommended continuing coordination with AOT and ACCD to identify grant opportunities and to monitor battery and charging advances.
The committee did not make a policy decision at the hearing, but members signaled interest in exploring infrastructure options and economic development connections with state agencies and VAST.
