Winter Is Coming: DIY SnowKart Is Envo's Take on Snow-Filled Fun in Cold Weather

Folks, what we're looking at has been dubbed nothing more than Electric SnowKart. It's an electrified snowmobile-o-kart designed and built by a crew with quite an outstanding history in electrified and snow-oriented fun. It's built by a North American team dubbed Envodrive, and if the name sounds familiar, it's because we've covered their work on several occasions. Once you get to know the SnowKart, you, too, will understand why.

Now, to kick things off, let me point out that what we're looking at costs no less than $5,880 (€5,450 at current exchange rates), and that doesn't seem to include any shipping. Thinking of closing that browser page? Don't, because this thing comes across as a rather neat tool and toy to have if you live in snow-capped landscapes.

First of all, we need to understand that the SnowKart is a machine designed and developed to handle anything winter throws at you. This means that it can handle powder, hardpacked snow, slush, and even ice. How is this possible?

Well, it has a whole lot to do with those tracks we see on the rear. This is where all the grip and thrust comes from; each of these tracks includes its own motor. Overall, each track is equipped with a BLDC geared hub motor with a peak of 1,200 W and 120 Nm of torque.

Sure, it's not the strongest motor around, but that 120 Nm (88.5 lb-ft) of torque is enough to handle 20% slopes and carry you around at a software-limited speed of 20 kph (12.5 mph). Even though the SnowKart weighs a solid 100 lbs (45 kg), because of these two motors, it boasts a towing capacity of 400 lbs (181 kg). Just so we're on the same page, this EV is more like the diesel engine of the ICE world.

Part two of the story is the battery array that Envo throws onto the SnowKart. If you happened to view the images in the gallery, you may have noticed two branded battery packs mounted to the frame. Overall, each pack is filled with Panasonic/LG cells that come in with 17.5 Ah of juice running under 48V. With two juice boxes, Envo states that you can ride around for up to two hours with a "full throttle continuous ride on pedal assist." Pedal assist!? What pedals?

One thing we need to consider about the battery packs is that they've been designed to handle down to -20 Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit) weather. Considering most people won't even go out of their house in weather colder than that, it's perfect for any activities you have in mind.

Finally, let's talk a bit about this bugger's design, and here's where things get interesting. So, you've ordered yourself an Envo SnowKart and are now sitting around with a massive box in your garage. Well, grab your toolbox and gloves because this one is a DIY project.

That's right, folks, the SnowKart you see is going to be brought to life by you. You'll be building the tracks, laying down some aluminum pipes, bolting on the battery packs, and all that. In short, you'll be putting together some life-size LEGOs.

But there's a tad of a catch to all of this DIY heroism stuff. According to Envo, this is a "preliminary launch for early adopters," having "gone through all major engineering, prototyping, limited production, testing, revisions, and approval to be released for marketing." But, for some reason, you still need to sign a Liability Waiver stating that you're the party responsible for the safe installation of the SnowKart.

Better make sure you follow those instructions to a T, and even if you don't and you happen to wreck yourself, it's all on you. But, if you do happen to mess something up, think about things this way: you're going along at 12.5 mph in a snow-covered landscape; a fall shouldn't be devastating, but always wear a helmet.

Now, if you've been keeping up with Envo news, you're aware that this isn't the first snow-destined product they've designed and built; the Flex platform is another one of their systems; it's a modular e-bike, e-trike, and snow-bike platform that can be used for year-round adventures and tasks.

As for what all this means for folks living in snowy lands, well, quite a whole lot, actually: first off, not everyone has the skill to maneuver a snowmobile, and this could be a very viable solution. Up next, it means greater mobility in places where we'd be house-locked; there's no need to shovel the driveway for this one.

I can see a bit of a subculture popping up around these babies. Why? Why not!? After all, they come in as a rather neat alternative to the usual winter vehicles out there and at a fraction of the price. Best of all, it's all nearly silent and electrified power, so don't worry about disturbing local wildlife. Just a little something-something to look into for this winter.