Hybrid Can-Am Spyder in Development

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com

Riding a snowmobile for the first time over the weekend got me to thinking about the Can-Am Spyder. Part of the reason was that the sled was a Ski-Doo with a Rotax engine, manufactured by Bombardier Recreational Products, the same company that makes the Spyder. Another reason was that before taking a test ride on  Spyder a couple of years ago and writing about the experience in RIDE-CT, I was told the experience would be similar to snowmobiling.

While I noted that the riding position on the Spyder was like sitting on a bale of hay, I thoroughly enjoyed the test loop, and would have probably enjoyed it even more had there been more time to get used to it. I mention all of this as circuitous way of mentioning that Canada’s BRP is now working on developing a hybrid version of the Spyder, a process that may take four years. 

BRP is putting up $5.1 million and the Automotive Partnership of Canada is contributing $6.2 million. A team of 30 people from BRP and the University of Sherbrooke will develop the necessary components. The goal is to have a 20-mile all-electric range, with 60 mpg targeted for hybrid mode. Additional goals for the Spyder hybrid is have a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds and a 115 mph to speed.

With gas prices climbing, and many folks whispering that $5 per gallon might be the price by summer, any move by any company to cut fuel consumption is a good idea. While good gas mileage probably isn’t a Top 5 reason why people ride, it may make the list soon.