DESPITE THE PREDICTION OF OUR previous Prime Minister, the arrival of electric utes was always inevitable. What was less predictable was that the first EV ute would come from Chinese company LDV.
Australia’s first electric ute is the LDV eT60. This seminal moment in Australia’s automotive history marks a turning point in the electrification of commercial vehicles – and proves that weekends don’t have to end just yet.
The LDV T60 is an undoubted success story, totalling 23,947 sales (YTD Oct22) since its launch in September 2017. The ute segment accounts for 21 percent of all vehicles sold in Australia, making this segment one of the biggest opportunities in the market to electrify.
As with the eDeliver 9, the LDV eT60 is aimed at large corporate entities, all three levels of Government and fleet businesses who’ve committed to emission reductions targets, and private early adopters.
“We’re delighted the LDV eT60 is Australia’s first electric ute, and now is the time to build on our first mover advantage,” says Dinesh Chinnappa, LDV General Manager.
“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. 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.”
Powertrain details
This first LDV eT60 is based around the Pro variant and built specifically to be the business workhorse of corporate fleets. Specified with the same CATL-sourced 88.55kWh lithium-ion battery found in the eDeliver 9, the eT60 has an impressive WLTP combined range of 330km.
The battery can be charged via an 11kw charger in approximately 9.0 hours, while DC fast-charging takes approximately 45 minutes to charge from 20-80 percent full.
A permanent magnet synchronous motor delivers 130kW and 310Nm via the rear wheels, giving the eT60 a silently spirited turn of speed. In addition, regenerative braking turns kinetic energy into electrical power while helping slow the car down and feed power back into the battery. The eT60 consumes charge at an average rate of 21.3kWh per 100km.
The eT60 rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and features the heavy-duty suspension set-up of its Pro sibling, 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 maxed braked towing capacity of 1000kg. Open the tailgate and a spray-in tub liner keeps the bed protected from wear and tear, while four tie-down points help secure the trickiest of loads or a useful payload of 1000kg.
Exterior and interior features
Outside, the eT60 channels the tough and aggressive stance of its ICE-powered siblings, sporting side steps, body-coloured bumpers and mirrors, and LED daytime running lights. A full chrome sports bar is standard. option.
Inside, the practicality continues with essentials like multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, six-way electrically-adjustable front seats, 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay connectivity and air conditioning.
Safety
Safety systems include driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags and front to rear curtain airbags; reversing camera and rear parking sensor; Electronic Stability Control with Emergency Brake Assist; Hill Start Assist; Roll Movement Intervention; and Hill Descent Control.
Pricing and ownership
Now for the bad news. If you were expecting a bargain basement price, you’re about to be disappointed. The all-new LDV eT60 starts at $92,990 (plus on road costs) and comes with a competitive 5-year/160,000km (whichever comes first) vehicle warranty, and an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty. This is supported with 5-year/130,000km Roadside Assist.
Servicing intervals of once every 24 months or 30,000km, whichever comes first. In addition, 5-years Roadside Assistance means coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, for the period of your manufacturer’s warranty.
“There is an undoubted appetite for commercial application EVs,” concludes Chinnappa.
“Forty percent 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.”
Of course, the real question is: will they be willing to spend more than $90,000?