Australia’s first mass-market electric ute has gone on sale but the cost of entry to greener motoring is a staggering $92,990 plus on-road costs, making this one of the most expensive medium-sized utes on the market.

Nevertheless, LDV can rightly claim its place in Australian automotive history books, having beaten a gaggle of rivals to have the country’s first fully electrified ute certified and available for sale.

The vehicle’s importer, Ateco Automotive, said the eT60 was aimed at large corporate entities, government and fleet businesses who had committed to emission reduction targets, as well as private early adopters.

“We’re delighted the LDV eT60 is Australia’s first electric ute, and now is the time to build on our first mover advantage,” LDV General Manager Dinesh Chinnappa said.

“We’re an OEM offering Australia’s first electric ute and everything that comes with that fact – a nationwide dealer network, factory-backed servicing and warranty, and a significant spare parts operation to manage our fast-growing carpark.”

The LDV eT60 is based on the Pro variant of the brand’s established T60 dual cab, meaning it’s specified as a 4x2 business workhorse, albeit with an electric motor, 88.5kWh battery and 330km range (WLTP).

A permanent magnet synchronous motor drives the ute’s rear wheels, delivering outputs of 130kW/310Nm, compared with its stablemate 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder models, which produce 160kW/500Nm.

The four combustion-powered T60 variants are priced from $33,990 for the entry-level Max Pro to $40,490 for the Max Luxe, so the electric eT60’s $92,990 retail price represents a hefty premium over those models.

Despite this, the electric ute’s ability to drive with zero tailpipe emissions and zero emissions outright if charged with renewables, is sure to have appeal for local governments and other businesses looking to hit emissions targets and make an environmental statement.

Mr Chinnappa said there was “an undoubted appetite for commercial application EVs,” adding that LDV had secured “fleet agreements with major global and Australian companies, federal, state and local governments and fleet operators who are committed to running their businesses in a more environmentally sound manner”.

Riding on 17-inch alloy wheels and featuring the same heavy-duty suspension as its combustion siblings, meaning double wishbones up front and leaf springs at rear, the eT60 features ventilated disc brakes all round and uses regenerative braking to help feed power back into its battery when slowing down.

The battery can be charged via an 11kw charger in about nine hours, or via DC fast-charging which takes about 45 minutes to charge from 20–80%, according to LDV.

Weighing in at 2,300kg, the eT60 is only about 175kg heavier than its combustion equivalent, but its 1,000kg braked towing capacity is well shy of that model’s 3,000kg braked capacity and light on in a category where 3,500kg is the new standard. It’s 1,000kg payload is, however, slightly higher than the combustion version’s 750kg.



Exterior styling enhancements include side steps, body-coloured bumpers and mirrors, LED daytime running lights, chrome sports bar and spray-in tub liner to protect the cargo bed.

Elsewhere, other standard features include a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, six-way electrically adjustable front seats, 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and air-conditioning.

The eT60 comes with a five-year/160,000km vehicle warranty, versus five years/130,000km for its combustion powered stablemates, while the battery gets its own eight years/160,000km warranty.

Servicing intervals are every two years or 30,000km, compared with one year or 15,000km on combustion models, and the electric ute comes with five years roadside assistance, for the period of your manufacturer’s warranty.

Earlier this year LDV confirmed it would launch three new electric vehicles in Australia including the eT60 ute, eDeliver 9 large electric van and Mifa 9 electric people mover.

The trio of EV arrivals is set to make LDV a leader in commercial electric vehicles in Australia.

LDV first launched in Australia in Australia in 2014 and currently offers the D90 Prado-sized SUV and the T60 dual cab ute range.



Its products have become known for their keen pricing with sales so far this year of 12,987 units via a 92-strong national dealer group.

The company is backed by SAIC, one of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers with extensive experience in the fast-moving Chinese EV market.

Mr Chinnappa said China’s burgeoning EV market was having a growing influence on Australia and the rest of the world.

“In the first half of 2022, 2.4 million EVs were delivered to customers in China, more than double the total annual new car market in Australia,” he said.

“EVs now account for 26% of all car sales in China, and 57% of global EV sales.

“China is moving ahead in electrifying its transport industry and it’s bringing the rest of the world – including Australia – with it.”