LDV first with EV ute for Oz

FROM November, Australia will have its first pure electric one tonne ute courtesy of Chinese manufacturer LDV.

It’s the advance guard of more EV utes expected here in coming years from other manufacturers though some are further along the EV development path than others.

“The global auto market is undergoing its most significant revolution in decades,” said LDV Australia general manager Dinesh Chinnappa.

“It is on the threshold of electrification and today marks a significant moment in the history of the LDV brand in Australia with confirmation of three new electric vehicles arriving November, including a market-first electric ute.”

The brand has been here since 2014 initially with mixed results but has, since new models arrived in the past few years with more power, better engines, transmissions, features and styling, garnered an increasing market share thanks to buyers looking for a value proposition in their working vehicle.

The EV ute marks a fundamental step-change in product strategy at LDV where once, the brand was synonymous with value-driven motoring, now LDV is setting the agenda for commercial electric vehicles in Australia.

LDV is part of the SAIC automotive conglomerate which has extensive experience as an electric vehicle manufacturer in arguably the fastest moving EV market in the world (China). It is also one of the world’s largest OEMs driven by skyrocketing sales in the Chinese domestic market… including EVs. 

The new electric LDV models due soon are: eT60, Australia’s first fully electric ute; eDeliver 9, an electrified version of LDV’s segment-leading large van; and Mifa 9, a luxury electric people mover.

“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,” said Mr Chinnappa.

“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 per cent of all car sales in China, and 57 per cent 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.

“It makes LDV well-placed to take advantage of this new model EV roll-out. The Australian auto industry is at a crucial pivot point and embarking on a journey many countries commenced years ago.

“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.”

Headlining these new product arrivals from November 2022 will be the all-new LDV eT60, Australia’s first fully electric ute.

Based on the successful T60 model, which has been embraced by Australian buyers to the tune of 22,092 since launch, eT60 brings the highly specified, value-focused ute into the EV space.

Offered initially in 4x2 double cab guise, the eT60 is powered by an 88.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack, good for a combined WLTP of 330km. Charging from five to 100 per cent using an 11kw charger takes approximately nine hours, while the eT60’s DC fast-charging capability will charge from 20 to 80 per cent in approximately 45 mins.

Also revealed from November is the LDV eDeliver 9, LDV’s first electric large van.

In the last two short years, its ICE variant, the Deliver 9, has carved out a solid reputation with Australia fleet owners to become the number-one selling large van in Australia, delivering 3915 units since launch, resulting in 12.2 per cent market share year to date.

LDV says the eDeliver 9 builds on this reputation and will be available in long wheelbase mid- and high-roof variants, along with cab chassis options. The vans are powered by an 88.5kWH lithium-ion battery back and capable of 280km (WLTP, based on mid roof model), making the eDeliver 9 the ideal partner in last-mile delivery situations.

Charging time for the eDeliver 9 via a three-phase AC charger takes approximately nine hours with a maximum charge rate of 11kW, while DC fast-charging takes approximately 45 minutes to go from 20 to 80 per cent charge at a maximum rate of 80kW.

The last of the electric trio to be unveiled in November will be the LDV Mifa 9, a luxury electric people mover.

LDV says the Mifa 9 reinvents how to transport up to seven people in comfort and style with zero tailpipe emissions (an eight-seat model is due early 2023). Yet this futuristic streamline look is achieved without compromise to interior space or practicality.

Arriving in three variants and expected to secure a five-star EuroNCAP rating, the Mifa 9 represents the latest in safety innovation including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, rear collision warning system, lane departure warning, lane change assist, emergency lane keep assist, electronic stability control and fatigue reminder.

It’s a comprehensive technology offer that LDV says ensures the Mifa 9 is at the cutting edge of accident-avoidance technology.

The Mifa 9 is powered by a 90kWh lithium-ion battery delivering a WLTP combined range of up to 440km depending on the variant.

Charging time for the Mifa 9 via an 11kW charger takes approximately 8.5 hours, while DC fast-charging takes approximately 36 minutes to charge from 20 to 80 per cent full.

Full details, specification and pricing of the eT60, eDeliver 9 and Mifa 9 will be revealed during the launch phase in November.