LDV electric people mover under evaluation for NZ

A new fully electric people mover is set to undergo evaluation on New Zealand roads, before potentially going on the market in the future.

The people mover in question is the seven-seater LDV Mifa 9; the brand’s first EV built on dedicated plug-in architecture.

Speaking to AutoTalk, an LDV New Zealand representative confirmed that the model is set for local evaluation before the end of the year.

Earlier today LDV’s Australian arm announced it would be launching an armada of electric vehicles to market, including the aforementioned Mifa 9, plus the eDeliver 9 and eT60.

The eDeliver 9 has been on sale in New Zealand since last year, with the eT60 confirmed for local launch several months ago.

This leaves the Mifa as the only model offered in Australia that isn’t also sold in New Zealand. It is set to go on sale in Australia from early 2023.

The three-row Mifa 9 is sold overseas with a 90kWh battery pack capable of 440km of range on the WLTP cycle. When plugged into a DC fast charger, the 90kWh unit can charge from 20% to 80% capacity in 36 minutes.

This battery comes paired to an electric motor that produces 180kW of power and 350Nm of torque.

The Mifa already boasts a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, thanks in part to a safety tech suite inclusive of radar cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, driver monitoring, and more.