2023 LDV eT60 pricing and features: Australia's first electric ute

Australia’s first electric dual-cab, the 2023 LDV eT60, will cost $92,990 when it arrives in local showrooms later this week.

That prices the eT60 substantially higher than most initial estimates, which had the electric ute pegged to land somewhere in the $70K bracket. Those estimates were based on how much the eT60 costs in New Zealand where it carries a price tag of NZD $79,990 drive-away.

The eT60’s Aussie pricing makes it more than twice as expensive as a diesel-powered T60 Max and also places it well above the threshold to be eligible for state government incentives available around Australia.

And unlike the rest of the T60 Max range, LDV isn’t offering any discounts for ABN holders wanting to buy the eT60. Instead, the Chinese company says its primary target for the eT60 will be blue chip companies and all three layers of government looking to hit strict emissions targets.

“It’s clear from the outset that these EVs aren’t going to be sold at traditional LDV price points” said brand spokesperson Oliver Peagam. “And their sales volumes won’t be at the same level as their ICE counterparts either.”

The eT60 is based on a regular T60 Max Pro, which costs $43,148 for private buyers when paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The ‘Pro’ trim level is the entry-point to the T60 model range and unlike more expensive ‘Luxe’ versions, it has more of a workhorse focus and features heavier-duty suspension.

The LDV eT60 4x2 dual-cab features an 88.5kWh lithium-ion battery, giving the electric ute a WLTP-rated driving range of 330 kilometres.

However, information provided by LDV New Zealand suggests driving range will be reduced by 50 per cent when "towing maximum weight".

9

It is powered by a single electric motor mounted to the rear axle, producing 130kW and 310Nm – down 30kW and 190Nm compared to the 160kW/500Nm twin-turbo diesel T60.

LDV says the eT60’s battery can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in 45 minutes using a 80kW DC fast-charger, or charged from 5-100 per cent in about nine hours using an 11kW wallbox charger.

9

The LDV eT60 has a 1000 kilogram braked towing capacity – a third of the diesel T60's. Its 1000kg payload, however is actually higher than the regular range – which is rated at 750kg for the flagship Luxe and 935kg for the entry-level Pro.

Equipment wise, the the eT60 scores six-way electric front seats trimmed in leatherette, a large 10.25-inch central touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay, rain sensing wipers, a 4-speaker sound system and a plastic multi-function steering wheel.

There are also plenty of things you don’t get, however. There’s no cruise control, no native Android Auto and no keyless entry or push button start.

It's also missing some key active safety systems. Like the rest of the T60 Max range, the eT60 is not fitted with autonomous emergency braking, rear-cross traffic alert, lane-keep tech or adaptive cruise.

It's unclear if the eT60 will be covered by the same five-star ANCAP safety rating as the regular T60 Max, which was achieved back in 2017.

LDV has launched two additional electric vehicles for Australia alongside the eT60 – the Mifa 9 people-mover and eDeliver 9 large van. Each carries similarly high pricing that starts at $106,000 for the Mifa 9 and $116,537 for the eDeliver 9.

LDV Australia’s general manager, Dinesh Chinnappa, says it wants to be part of the global car market’s “most significant revolution in decades”.

9

“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,” said Dinesh.

“And we in Australia are now benefiting from that influence with the arrival of eT60, eDeliver 9 and Mifa 9.

“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.

“So LDV is well-placed to take advantage of this new model EV roll-out, and we’re delighted to share some top-line, pre-launch, information with you.”

9