More electric utes coming

Chinese brand Kandi has its electric double-cab ute ready to order in the US where Rivian has brought its R1T ute to the market with other automotive manufacturers likely to follow.

Kandi is offering its Standard Range and Long Range K32 utes in the US with 20.7kWh and 50kWh lithium-ion batteries delivering 96.5km and 241km range respectively.

The all-wheel drive utes, which resemble the popular Ford Ranger, are priced from US$27,699 (NZ$39,325) for the Standard Range and US$34,499 (NZ$48,979) for the Long Range.

Both models of the Kandi Off-Road EV (known as a utility terrain vehicle in the US) have a 105km/h top speed and 7.5 hours battery recharging on a 240-Volt home plug.

They are 5.437m long, 1.89m wide and 2.083m high, weigh 2430kg and have a top payload around 575kg (including four occupants).

Many safety features are fitted as standard and the K32 has a 10-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, and more.

Meanwhile, another Chinese-based automotive manufacturer Geely is reported to be establishing a separate electric ute brand under its commercial EV division, its e-ute expected to be launched later next year.

That division’s Farizon Auto recently announced an electric semi concept called the Homtruck, due for release in 2024.

Geely aims to expand into various overseas markets and wants to produce 600,000 units by 2025.

Rivian has meanwhile started delivering its R1T ute in the US and recently secured a US$90 billion (NZ$127.8b) valuation, reportedly considering a new EV and battery plant near Atlanta.

Amazon and Ford have big stakes in Rivian which is setting up retail “Hubs” in US urban areas that include a showroom, children’s open-air play area, and rooms for guest speakers and creative projects.