Earlier this year, LDV revealed it was to introduce three new electric vehicles to the Australian market – the eDeliver 9, an electrified version of the company’s large van; the Mifa 9 luxury people mover; and the eT60 dual cab ute.

All three vehicles are now available and, as with the initial announcement, the headline-grabber is the eT60 – the first all-electric ute available in Australia.

Power for the rear-wheel-drive eT60 comes via an 88.5kWh battery and 130kW/310Nm motor.

LDV says the battery can be charged via an 11kW charger in approximately 9 hours, while DC fast charging enables a charge from 20-80 per cent in approximately 45 minutes. Regenerative braking feeds power back into the battery for extra range and LDV claims that range to be 330km (WLTP). Top speed is 120km/h.

The eT60 rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and features a heavy-duty suspension set-up with double independent wishbone up front and a leaf spring rear, specifically calibrated for Australian conditions, with ventilated disc brakes all round.

Weighing in at 2300kg, the eT60 has a braked towing capacity of 1000kg. A spray-in tub liner keeps the bed protected from wear and tear, while four tie-down points help secure loads. Payload is 1000kg.

The eT60 looks tough enough (as do all utes really) and, on the inside, tech includes a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, six-way electrically adjustable front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 220V power outlet and two USB ports.

Safety and driver assistance features include, amongst others, Electronic Brake Assist, Hill Descent Control, Hill-Start Assist, Roll Movement Intervention, Traction Control, Vehicle Dynamics Control, Rear Parking Sensors, and a Reversing Camera.

New vehicle warranty is 5 years/ 160,000km (whichever occurs first), while the battery warranty is 8 years/160,000kms (whichever occurs first). There is also 5-year/130,000km roadside assist. Servicing intervals are once every two years or 30,000km (whichever comes first).

Comparing the eT60 with the T60 Max Pro internal combustion engine (ICE) variant upon which it is based raises some interesting comparisons. Top of that list is the price. The eT60 comes in at a whopping $92,990 – about twice the price of its ICE sibling. The Pro ICE’s 73-litre tank and fuel consumption of 9.3 litre/100km will give you decent range too. Its 2-litre bi-turbo diesel delivers 160kW/500Nm and Braked towing capacity is 3000kg. The ICE T60 variants also have a 5-star ANCAP rating, while the eT60 is currently unrated.

While the electric vehicle revolution does appear to be underway, with public and state and federal government support growing, it will be interesting to see the reception that the eT60 receives.

It is, LDV says, being aimed at ‘large corporate entities, all three levels of Government and fleet businesses who’ve committed to emission reductions targets, and private early adopters.’

That makes sense, given its capabilities.

“We’re an OEM offering Australia’s first electric ute and everything that comes with that fact: a nationwide dealer network, factory-backed servicing and warranty, and a significant spare parts operation to manage our fast-growing carpark,” said Dinesh Chinnappa, LDV General Manager. “And now we have Australia’s first electric ute – and this is why we’ve secured fleet agreements with major global and Australian companies, Federal, State and Local governments and fleet operators who are committed to running their businesses in a more environmentally-sound manner.

“There is an undoubted appetite for commercial application EVs,” he added. “40 per cent of Australian businesses surveyed recently by Small Business Loans Australia said they would purchase an EV in 2023 if Albanese’s Electric Car Discount Bill goes through Parliament. These Australian businesses know the eT60 isn’t going to cross Nullarbor – but that its 330km range is more than adequate for their everyday requirements.

“But they also know government EV policy and EV infrastructure is on the move and they want to be ahead of the transition. And the LDV eT60, Australia’s first electric ute, is here to help.”

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (December 2022/January 2023) 

2 January 2023