China’s LDV Previews Three New Electric Vehicles For Australian Market Including A Pickup Truck

LDV has revealed that it will soon launch three commercial-focused electric vehicles in Australia, including the country’s first all-electric ute.

The first of the trio is the eT60 that’s set to arrive in November 2022. It will initially be offered in 4×2 double cab guise and is powered by an 88.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The SAIC-backed automaker says it is good for 330 km (205 miles) of range on the combined WLTP cycle and that it can charge from 5-100 per cent using an 11 kW charger in 9 hours and charge from 20-80 per cent in 45 minutes with a DC fast-charger. The electric version of the T60 looks largely identical to the combustion-powered model.

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Joining the eT60 for a launch in November is the LDV eDeliver 9, an all-electric large van. It will be available in long-wheelbase mid- and high-roof variants, in addition to a cab chassis option. Like the eT60, it is available with an 88.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that gives it 280 km (174 miles) of range. LDV says it will be “the ideal partner in last mile delivery situations.”

Plugging the eDeliver9 into a DC fast charger for 45 minutes will see battery charge go from 20 to 80 per cent. Completing a fully charge on an 11 kW 3-phase AC charger takes approximately 9 hours.

Last but not least is the LDV Mifa 9, an electric people mover. The 7-seater has a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with up to 440 km (273 miles) of range depending on the variant. It can charge from 20-80 per cent at a DC charger in 36 minutes or at an AC 11 kW charger in 8.5 hours.

Full specifications for the three models will be announced in November.

“The Australian auto industry is at a crucial pivot point and embarking on a journey many countries commenced years ago,” LDV Australia general manager Dinesh Chinnappa described in a statement. “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 – which is why we’re excited to announce the upcoming arrival of Australia’s first electric ute, eT60, the eDeliver 9 large van, and the Mifa 9 luxury electric people mover. I look forward to sharing more information in November.”