LDV T60 electric ute revealed

An electric version of the replacement for the LDV T60 pick-up potentially arriving in Australia in 2021 has been unveiled at the Guangzhou Auto Show in China.

Dubbed the Maxus New – Maxus being the name LDV utes are sold under in China – it is an obvious close relation of the big-grilled Maxus Pick-Up Concept first unveiled at the Chengdu motor show mid-year.

In fact, apart from the name, the biggest visual changes to the Guangzhou version of the dual-cab are blue styling touches to denote its electric power source.

According to the Chinese website autohome.com.cn, the Maxus New comes with a 130kW/310Nm permanent magnet synchronous e-motor fed by an 88.55kWh battery. The range between recharges is claimed to be as much as 535km.

Australian LDV importer Ateco Group is yet to finalise its plans for the new-generation T60 replacement, but a spokesman confirmed investigations are underway, including for the EV.

However, its arrival timing is still not confirmed for 2021. This is a slight retreat from Ateco’s previously reported position.

As we’ve reported, the Maxus Pick-Up Concept is expected to accurately preview the replacement for the increasingly popular LDV T60 in Australia in 2021.

While there is frustratingly little official information on offer from Maxus/LDV about the T60 replacement, carsales sources have indicated the overhaul will be substantial.

New technologies and powertrain updates are expected to be part of the package.

The LDV T60 overhaul won’t come a moment too soon as the dual-cab 4x4 ute market is being rapidly overhauled in Australia. Fellow Chinese brand GWM has this week announced details of its new-generation ute that’s dubbed Ute.

The current LDV T60 pick-up is offered in four models priced from $30,516 to $33,989 drive-away.