LDV debuts the T60 EV, NZ’s first electric ute

The New Zealand market is one step closer to the prospect of fully electric utes, with the February 23 unveiling of the first LDV T60 EV, registered locally as a left-hand drive pilot vehicle.

The news comes via the brand’s first in-person event with the model. The plug-in pickup had already been confirmed as a starter for the New Zealand market, with this event clarifying a number of previous unknowns.

LDV New Zealand is now taking online pre-orders for the T60 EV. Customers can pay a $1000 deposit to join the nameplate’s order list.

The model comes with a single electric motor powering the rear wheels exclusively. Power and torque are rated at 130kW and 310Nm respectively. The motor is paired to an 88kWh battery.

While range figures have yet to be detailed, an LDV spokesperson notes the plug-in T60 was able to complete a trip from Auckland to Taupō (about a 270km journey) at highway speeds with 70km of range spare. Range is therefore likely to be rated around the 400km mark.

The model is DC fast charging capable, although specifics on exactly how quick it can be recharged are still to be confirmed. For those considering one as a work or tow vehicle, LDV claims the plug-in is capable of towing 1000kg braked, and lugging 900kg of payload.

At the moment, the model is set to only be offered in rear-wheel drive, single-motor form. Although the brand is likely to be investigating adding a four-wheel drive version, it’s unknown when this may come to fruition.

Production of right-hand drive T60 EVs for the New Zealand market is set to start in September, meaning a local arrival of early 2023 is likely. LDV could not confirm an exact arrival date, with the model’s spec still also up in the air.

Pricing for the model is also still to be confirmed, although the brand said it hopes to price the model underneath the $80,000 threshold for the government’s Clean Car Discount. Currently, the discount entitles all new BEVs priced underneath the threshold to an $8,625 rebate after purchase.

Speaking at the event, Great Lake Motor Distributors general manager Andrew Bayliss said he is confident the T60 EV will be a popular seller. “I think demand is going to be huge based on the demand we’re getting on our website and at our dealerships.”

So far, the T60 EV is the only electric pickup to be formally confirmed for the New Zealand market. This is despite the space enjoying significant expansion in the last two years, with the launch of the likes of the Rivian R1T, Hummer EV, Tesla Cybertruck, and Ford F-150 Lightning.

The T60 is one of the very few plug-in products in the mid-size ute segment. It’s expected that Ford will debut a Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) later this year, while it’s understood that Toyota and Mitsubishi are also in the midst of developing PHEV utes.