LDV to release all-new 4x4 electric ute here next year

LDV Australia has confirmed it will release a production version of the tough Maxus GST battery-electric ute concept in 2024, bringing with it a much more desirable and capable 4x4 powertrain configuration – something sorely missing from Australia’s first EV ute, the pioneering rear-drive LDV eT60.

While it’s yet to be officially confirmed, carsales understands the production-spec GST will replace the eT60, a vehicle that LDV executives admitted probably isn’t the right model for ute-hungry Australian consumers.

Speaking at a function to announce their EV plans in Sydney today, local LDV execs said Aussies typically want more “rugged” dual-cabs that can be “thrown around” off-road and at the worksite.

Toughness and capability are therefore two of the key focal points for the eT60 replacement’s development, paired with a significantly improved driving range.

Ateco Automotive new ventures project manager Shaun Garrard said the new electric ute would have to have a range of at least 600km and have a certain off-road characteristics in order to “hit a sweet spot in the Australian market” with private buyers.

It’s a good thing then the Maxus GST retains a rugged body-on-frame construction and features an electric motor in each corner – one per wheel – resulting in GMC Hummer EV-scaring outputs of no less than 746kW/14,000Nm.

Previous intel has suggested that LDV/Maxus parent company SAIC is developing two production versions of the electric GST concept – one aimed at the volume-selling mid-size ute market dominated locally by the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, and one at the burgeoning full-size US pick-up market, in which it would rub shoulders with the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T and of course the Hummer.

LDV Australia has only sold 60 examples of the eT60 in the past 12 months, the bulk of which have gone to mining and clean-energy operations, solar companies or government trials.

A “sprinkling” of sales has been contributed by private buyers, which is understandable given the vehicle’s $92,990 starting price, lacklustre range and 4x2-only drivetrain.

The slow sales aren’t enough to rule out a facelifted version of the eT60 coming to Australia, however. Exactly that was recently launched in China with independent rear suspension and a host of interior upgrades, but this seems unlikely given the all-new LDV ute is little more than 12 months away from Aussie roads.

LDV Australia says more details of the production-spec GST will be announced in the first half of next year.

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