Maxus will beat many established brands to have the first electric pick-up when the T90EV goes on sale later this year. The T90EV marks an expansion of the company’s model portfolio that includes a fully electric MPV people carrier. Unlike in its domestic market where 2.0-litre petrol engines are available, Maxus plans only to offer the electric version of the T90 here, which uses an 88kWh battery.
That battery is on the larger size, providing 320 kilometres in the WLTP City cycle, but that is a more generous figure than the WLTP combined figure, which Maxus did not provide. Based on how the WLTP cycle works, that combined driving range could be around 210 kilometres without any load. Maxus has also yet to state the DC charging rates for the 88kWh battery. Official figures reveal that the cargo box measures 1,485 x 1,510 x 530mm and can carry a payload of 740kg, which will mean that it won’t qualify as a commercial vehicle in the UK as it is unable to carry a one-tonne load.
The T90EV uses a 150kW (204hp) electric motor that sends power only to the rear wheels. The combination of a reduction in ground clearance due to the battery being fitted beneath the chassis and offering only rear-wheel-drive will make it less appealing for buyers who need to drive off-road.
Standard equipment for the T90EV will include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights with automatic halogen headlights and rain-sensing wipers. The interior features a simple design that uses a rotary controller for the single-speed automatic gearbox. A bank of physical buttons for climate control and drive modes. A reversing camera is standard, as is a 10.25-inch touchscreen display.
Maxus expects to announce pricing ahead of opening the order books for the T90EV in August, with the first deliveries due to arrive in the first quarter of 2023.