E-XC: An Electric Ski With a 10-Mile Range

E-XC: An Electric Ski With a 10-Mile Range

The E-XC is an electric ski from Frigid Dynamics, a company based in Boston. The maker describes it as an electric drive system rather than a ski with a motor. It sits between snowmobiling and Nordic skiing, being lighter and easier to transport than a sled, faster and more powerful than Nordic skis alone, and compact enough to fit in a car. It is aimed at casual explorers and serious enthusiasts.

How the Electric Ski Works

The system has a push-button start, and after about 15 minutes of inactivity it enters a low-power sleep state. The drivetrain is purpose-built for snow, with zero emissions and minimal maintenance. A 3,000 W motor delivers 25 Nm of torque, described as instant and controllable, and the electric assist adjusts to terrain in real time. Frigid Dynamics notes that electric assist does not mean effortless.

Top speed is 20 mph (32 km/h), with speed-limit modes of 10, 15 or 20 mph. Range is 10 mi (16 km), and the system climbs up to 20% grade on groomed snow. The electric system, two drivetrains and two batteries, weighs 22.4 lb (10.2 kg), and the maximum system load, rider plus gear, is 260 lb (118 kg). An efficiency track is included as standard and is intended to improve range and traction.

Battery and Charging

Samsung lithium-ion cells sit in a removable, swappable pack. Each of the two batteries is 10 Ah, with a maximum voltage of 50.4 V, and thermal management supports operation down to −30 °C. The case is UL94 V-0 fire-retardant, and the impact-resistant hybrid polycarbonate shell has an integrated water-resistant gasket. Charging takes about 3.5 hours. The charger accepts 100–240 V at 50/60 Hz, outputs 50.4 V at 3.0 A (151.2 W), and can be wall-mounted or placed on a bench.

Controller

A wireless handheld controller with Wi-Fi connectivity runs both skis in sync. It offers a smooth throttle feel, an emergency off and power-on button, and an ergonomic layout with real-time system monitoring. The controller shows battery level for the drivetrain and for the remote battery, and haptic feedback supports precise throttle control.

Drivetrain Build

The chassis is aluminium 7075-T6 with 316 stainless steel linkages, and a shock absorber is designed for the E-XC linkage geometry, rider position and weight distribution. Dynamic track tensioning needs no manual or seasonal adjustment. The drivetrain attaches to the skis with a tool-free rail-and-pin system and carries an IP64 water resistance rating. An assembled single e-ski measures 1,850 × 135 × 200 mm, and the track is 800 mm long and 75 mm wide. Automotive-grade paint resists UV, salt and peeling in freezing conditions.

Skis, Bindings and Poles

The skis use sandwich construction with a maple, bamboo and carbon core, a sintered graphite base, polyurethane-poured sidewalls for damping and integrated system wiring. A variable flex profile is intended to improve traction and turning, and the set weighs 3.6 kg (8 lb). Marker Squire 11 TCX Demo bindings are tool-less adjustable, fit Alpine and Gripwalk boot soles, cover a DIN range of 3–11 and weigh 2.4 kg (5.3 lb) per set. Frigid-branded aluminium 7075 poles have clasp adjustment and IP64 water resistance.

Terrain

Frigid Dynamics describes three kinds of terrain for the E-XC. Rolling open landscape, such as fields, golf courses and snow-covered lakes, offers gentle elevation changes. Forest winter paths are winding, tree-lined trails with turns and variable snow. Groomed terrain covers cross-country tracks, snowmobile trails and e-bike paths.