Electric-powered ATVs? Farmers seen as niche

Napa vineyard wants pollution-free vehicle it can charge with solar panels

ASHLAND, Ore. – Electric all-terrain vehicles may not impress the dune- and trail-riding crowd that rides for recreation, but a few small companies expect organic farmers and vineyard growers will pay a premium to gather cattle and spray vines without the carbon footprint of a gas vehicle.

While automakers are toiling to produce electric cars that will fit the demands of American drivers, Ashland-based Barefoot Motors is on the verge of turning out heavy-duty ATVs that can go 50 miles on a charge costing about 90 cents.

“I think a lot of attention is focused on the more glamorous vehicles