LIBERTY Hill, TX—Volcon, a startup focused on off-road electric vehicles, is planning a new manufacturing plant and headquarters here. The 53-acre site, which is expected to open in the spring, will also include a customer experience center, research and development, and a testing facility.

Volcon, which debuted last October, makes two-wheel and four-wheel electric off-road vehicles such as motorcycles and utility terrain vehicles. These vehicles differ from all-terrain vehicles (ATV) in that they typically have a standard four-wheel wheel base, can seat multiple passengers side-by-side, and are used to haul equipment and supplies.

The company is led by CEO Andrew Leisner, a veteran of the off-road industry, and COO Bruce Riggs, former chief of operations at Round Rock, TX-based electric vehicle maker Ayro. Volcon said it expects to have more than 100 employees when it begins manufacturing. For now, Volcon is building its vehicle at a temporary production facility in Round Rock.

The company makes three products. One is the Grunt motorcycle that will have a 100-mile range. The vehicle is in testing, and production is expected to begin between March and May. The other products are both four-wheel vehicles: the Stag, scheduled to be released in late 2021; and the Beast, a full sport ATV.

"Range is not an issue. No one really drives any off-road UTV or motorcycle long, long distances across the states. Most people are enjoying them on their property or short shots in our parks or in the forest," says Leisner.

At Liberty Hill, the company plans to eventually add an off-road demo testing track, as well as a recreational vehicle, zipline and camping site for clients.