By: Byron Mathioudakis
Australians love their utes and we're continuing to buy enormous numbers of them - especially in WA. So it's surprising that the range of electric utes available here is lagging well behind other categories. The good news is, they are coming.
For other electric vehicle categories, see SUV EVs, Large EV sedans, Mid-size EV sedans, Small EV sedans and EV vans.
LDV eT60 ute from $92,990
Australia’s first electric ute is from China, courtesy of the LDV eT60.
A four-door dual-cab ute with five seats, it features a rear-axle-mounted 130kW motor, powered by an 88.5kWh battery, for a 330km range.
So, no advanced (and expensive) ‘skateboard-style’ electric platforms like the Rivian R1T, but the point is to keep prices comparatively low.
There are drawbacks for potential buyers, starting with the lack of four-wheel drive, since that rear-mounted electric motor can only drive the rear wheels.
The other is a braked towing capacity of just 1000kg; that’s a far cry from the 3500kg that many rival diesel mid-sized trucks manage. Payload is 1000kg. Suspension is double wishbone up front and leaf springs out the back.
Using a 50kW DC public charger, a 10-80 per cent top-up is possible in about 100 minutes, while a 100 per cent fill needs around 16 hours with an optional 7kW Wallbox, or nearly 48 hours plugged in at home using the mains.
Motor: | Synchronous electric permanent-magnet |
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Transmission/drive: | Single-speed reduction gear/RWD |
Battery: | 88.5kWh Lithium Ion |
Power/torque: | 130kW/310Nm |
0-100km/h: | N/A |
Consumption: | 21.3kWh/100km |
Electric range: | 330km |
Warranty: | 4yr/160,000km |
Battery warranty: | 8yr/160,000km |
Safety rating: | N/A |
Electric range is quoted using the World harmonised Light vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP), or otherwise are manufacturers’ claims.
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