LDV preview ‘eT60’ electric ute

LDV are making the move to electrification, announcing on 29 September that they will be bringing three EV models to the Australian market, including an electric-powered version of their T60 dual cab ute.

The imminent arrival of the ‘eT60’ is being described as a fundamental step-change in strategy for the Chinese automotive brand, which made its Australian debut in 2014. By launching three EV models in one hit – the eT60 ute, eDeliver 9 van and Mifa 9 people mover – LDV believe they will set the agenda for electrified commercial vehicles in Australia.

“Every major OEM is committed to developing electric vehicles, but what is less spoken about is the growing influence of China’s EV market on the rest of the world – and we in Australia are now benefiting from that influence with the arrival of eT60, eDeliver 9 and Mifa 9,” says Dinesh Chinnappa, General Manager of LDV Australia.

“In the first half of 2022, 2.4 million EVs were delivered to customers in China, more than double the total annual new car market in Australia. EVs now account for 26% of all car sales in China, and 57% of global EV sales. China is moving ahead in electrifying its transport industry and it’s bringing the rest of the world – including Australia – with it.”

Due for Australian release in November, the eT60 is being described as the first fully-electric (as opposed to hybrid) ute to be offered here. To stay true to LDV’s value proposition, the eT60 will only be offered in 4x2 (RWD) form initially, instead of 4x4.

Full specs have yet to be revealed, but based on the eT60 that’s already available in New Zealand, the version to be offered here will likely produce 150kW and 310Nm from its electric motor, compared to 160kW and 500Nm from the 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel T60 that’s currently available.

LDV do reveal that the eT60 will feature an 88.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack that delivers a claimed range of 330km (WLTP). Charging from 5 to 100 per cent capacity using an 11kW charger takes around nine hours, while a DC fast-charger will charge from 20 to 80 per cent in approximately 45 minutes.

Externally, the eT60 appears almost identical to its ICE-powered sibling, with deletion of the vents in the front guards being the only obvious styling change.

What impact the electric drivetrain has on payload and towing capacity is unrevealed, but NZ market examples of the eT60 offer braked towing capacity of only 1500kg – half of what the diesel version can pull.

The eDeliver 9 van will also be released in November, with the same lithium-ion battery pack and presumably the same electric motor as the eT60. Charge times are almost identical, but range is lower, listed at 280km.

The Mifa 9 runs a slightly higher-capacity battery of 90kWh, which shortens recharge time marginally and slightly increases range to 440km compared to the eT60.

“LDV is at the forefront of this journey for commercial vehicles. We have moved from challenger brand to innovator brand. With 92 dealers across the country, it’s important we continue to lay the key building blocks for the brand’s future,” Chinnappa adds. “I look forward to sharing more information in November.”