What is a UTV, and Why Might Investing in BAM be a Good Idea?

Previously Published to Benzinga.

Most people know what an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is, but not everyone has heard of a utility task vehicle (UTV). Some may even assume they are the same thing. 

While most ATVs are banned from U.S. public roadways, 32 states welcome UTVs on their roads. Some of those states that do not approve of UTVs on the roadways do make exceptions for law enforcement professionals, disabled individuals and emergency travel, as designated by the Director of Public Safety in those states. 

An all-terrain vehicle is a “quad,” or a four-wheeler, meant for a single rider. In general, they’re faster and cheaper than a UTV. Avid riders are quick to point out the benefits of ATV straddle seating, handlebar steering and the ability to maneuver through a variety of terrain conditions.

UTVs, on the other hand, allow “side-by-side” automobile-style seating for 2 to 4 riders, tend to be more comfortable, are seat-belt equipped, use windscreens and have a roll-cage-like enclosure. They’re spacious and designed to haul people and cargo in various land and weather conditions. 

In 2017, the global UTV market was valued at USD $4.12 billion but quickly grew to $4.3 billion in 2018 in North America alone and $6 billion overall. Initially, it was expected to grow 6.7% by 2025, but in 2019, Global Market Insights projected that the market would hit $9.12 billion by 2025. Given that many have adopted an “outdoorsy” lifestyle as an alternative to traditional vacationing and leisure, this number has been modified substantially upward. As a result, some companies now predict it to be a $12 billion market in the next 6 years. 

On day one, if you didn’t invest in Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), you’re probably regretting it. And to be honest, here’s another one you’ll probably regret not investing in if you don’t at least check it out. UTVs are becoming faster, more efficient and fun for the family. 

Luxury is hitting the road, outlanding in the wilderness. 

BAM! Meet Battle Approved Motors… “Where Electric Meets Offroading”

Battle Approved Motors (BAM) is an early-stage startup, with its first round of seed money more than 75% funded and likely to roll out its first design in 2022. Currently, designs are in the testing, manufacturing and validation phase. Its flagship model is the e103, a 2-seater All-Electric UTV with the option of adding 2 additional seats. 

This zero-emissions vehicle is ready to ride straight off the trailer. It’s one of the first high-end UTVs, customizable and designed specifically for the elite driver. “We are like Ferrari (NYSE: RACE) meets Tesla — in the dirt,” explains Kenny Osborn, business development manager at BAM and the former owner of Black Rhino Performance.

What Makes BAM UTVs Different from Other UTVs?

With long-travel suspension, a generously proportioned lift kit and the e-platform Battle Board,   its ultra-elite on-board touchscreen dashboard, the BAM UTV looks like something straight out of the movies. These luxury UTVs merge the world of glamping with a truly heavy-duty, off-road experience for the wealthy.

Each car is built for performance, empowering its drivers to take on the toughest terrains. They’re built for safety, equipped with chromoly steel tubing and said to “offer race-level security” to drivers. They’re completely electric and perfect for those who just want to go “off-grid” for a few days or so.

Unlike other UTVs on the market, BAM UTVs come in three different models. Each comes equipped with proprietary reinforced tubular frames, crash structures and roll cages and are built to handle extreme winter and summer conditions — an absolute must for the world traveler.

BAM is essentially cutting out the middle man, eliminating those very first visits to the fab shop to be cut down or fitted for unnecessary aftermarket parts. With Osborn’s specialization in the development of aftermarket products for ATVs, UTVs and SXS vehicles, one can assume there to be a number of options for upgrade prior to delivery.

In addition to its durable UTV vehicles, BAM also has an electric trailer, “perfect for race day.” While they haven’t yet released much about this product, it is described as:

• Fully electric 
• Plug and play 
• Spacious 
• Comfort-locked 
• Off-road ready

A Design Inspired by Future Generations

These “Battle Approved” UTVs got their name from former professional BMX rider, BAM founder and Mod Kids USA filmmaker Chris James, who wanted to test a new race vehicle with a couple of top drivers from the short-course off-road racing scene.

When conducting these tests, he kept telling himself, “These are the battle tests.” And for every successful test, he would label them “Battle Approved.”  

This concept was carried over to BAM UTVs, as James embraced electric vehicle technologies in his work and performance-based side-by-side vehicles.

As for the UTV design itself, the idea came from James’ experience  with kids who raced mod karts in short-course racing. These young racers would be required to either upgrade to a larger truck class once they turned 16 or opt for a cheaper option with a UTV. He wasn’t too impressed by the performance of those UTVs and wanted to do something about it. 

Teaming up with key brands within the industry and professional drivers within the racing world, Chris’s team would go on to develop its race model vehicles, which will also be available in 2022. 

Coinciding with this release, BAM has teamed up with DASH Radio and its founders to launch a new class in off-road racing. According to BAM, the launch will become a key marketing platform in the company’s progression and all new releases thereafter. James describes it as “an extremely exciting new off-road racing class for 16-year-olds and up, which will also help highlight the impact of climate change and in time promote the adoption of electric vehicles moving forward to help preserve the environment.”

Literally, “Everyone and Their Mama” Can Become an Investor

“As off-road racing continues to grow and expand, we now have the ability to give fans the opportunity of ownership,” Osborn explains. Early investors earn a BAM Legacy Membership, which provides first access to its products and membership privileges to “the primary investor, his or her spouse, their children and children’s children.” 

The privileges of such an investment would include access to events, usage tracking, subscription plans and discounts on vehicles and parts. Members will also have access to the company’s private testing facility, and primary investors are offered initial rights to the purchase of a future homesite. 

For more information on this all-terrain luxury UTV, check out https://battleapproved.com for more information about the company. Or, visit https://www.startengine.com/battle-approved-motors to start investing today. 

The following post was written and/or published as a collaboration between Benzinga’s in-house sponsored content team and a financial partner of Benzinga. Although the piece is not and should not be construed as editorial content, the sponsored content team works to ensure that any and all information contained within is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge and research. The content that follows is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice.

The author of this article owns shares in one or more of the companies listed above, including Battle Approved Motors itself. This is a company she personally believes in and supports through her ongoing research and editorial.