Maxus is planning on scooping the entire pickup industry by producing the first all-electric truck. The T90EV was unveiled at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, giving us a first look at the Chinese manufacturers' model that’s coming to the UK.
Specific details won’t be revealed for some time yet, but the basics are clear, especially as the T90 has existed in China for a year or so, where it’s available under a number of different names, including the MG Extender.
A 204hp electric motor sits under the bonnet, producing 310Nm of torque. Under the floor you’ll find a huge battery pack, offering 88.5kWh of power, which should be enough to keep the T90EV moving for around 200 miles.
While those figures should mean that performance is comparable to the diesel-powered pickups on the market now, the electric range will be hugely variable; depending on the workload drivers place the truck under.
In order to keep range expectations as high as possible, Maxus has elected to offer the T90EV in rear-wheel drive only, which will limit its off-road capabilities despite its rugged construction.
The large battery pack will also affect the Maxus electric pickup's cargo-carrying ability, with the maximum payload expected to be around 740kg. The load box at the back measures 1,485mm long - exactly the same as the popular Isuzu D-Max - so outright volume limits should remain competitive.
A stainless steel sports bar and outside roop hooks ensure it’ll be a quick and easy job to securely tether a load in the back.
By limiting the truck to a payload limit below a tonne, there’ll be no ability for businesses to claim back the VAT element, but private users who fancy something less damaging to the environment than a thirsty diesel pickup while also benefitting from avoiding the inexorable rise of diesel pump prices will doubtless see the appeal.
Step inside and you’ll find a simple cabin that, while not long on luxury, feels spacious. A neat floor console makes more room for both occupants and storage. Manoeuvring will be made easier by the addition of a reversing camera.
Prices haven’t been announced yet, but they should be finalised by July, with first deliveries expected early in 2023.
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