LDV confirms all-electric Ute, Van, and People Mover for Australia

The LDV brand has confirmed an electric vehicle product onslaught will begin in Australia with the arrival of the eT60 ute, eDeliver 9 panel van and the Mifa 9 luxury people mover in November. 

LDV says it is a fundamental step-change in product strategy, where it was once synonymous with value-driven motoring, it is now setting the agenda for commercial electric vehicles in Australia.

LDV Australia general manager Dinesh Chinnappa says every major OEM is committed to developing electric vehicles, but what is less spoken about is the growing influence of China’s EV market on the rest of the world.

“We in Australia are now benefiting from that influence. 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. 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.

“LDV is at the forefront of this journey for commercial vehicles. We have moved from challenger brand to innovator brand. With 92 dealers across the country it’s important we continue to lay the key building blocks for the brand’s future,” Chinnappa says.

The LDV eT60, Australia’s first fully electric ute is based on the successful T60 model, which has been embraced by Australians to the tune of 22,092 since launch, eT60 brings the highly specified, value-focused ute into the EV space.

Offered initially in 4×2 double cab guise, the eT60 is powered by an 88.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack, good for a combined WLTP of 330km. Charging from 5-100% using an 11kw charger takes approximately 9 hours*, while the eT60’s DC fast-charging capability will charge from 20 to 80% in approximately 45 mins*.

Also to be revealed in November is the LDV eDeliver 9. In two years its ICE variant, the Deliver 9, has become the number-one selling large van in Australia, delivering 3915 units since launch, resulting in 12.2% market share year to date.

The eDeliver 9 builds will be available in long wheelbase mid- and high-roof variants, along with cab chassis options. The vans are powered by an 88.5kWH lithium-ion battery back and capable of 280km (WLTP, based on mid roof model), making the eDeliver 9 the ideal partner in last mile delivery situations.

Charging time for the eDeliver 9 via a 3-phase AC charger takes approximately 9 hours* with a maximum charge rate of 11kw, while DC fast-charging takes approximately 45 minutes* to go from 20-80% charge at a maximum rate of 80kw.

The last of the electric trio to be unveiled in November will be the LDV Mifa 9,a luxury electric people mover.

The Mifa 9 reinvents how to transport up to 7 people in comfort and style with zero tailpipe emissions (an 8-seat model is due early 2023). Yet this futuristic streamline look is achieved without compromise to interior space or practicality.

Arriving in three variants the Mifa 9 represents the latest in safety innovation including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, rear collision warning system, lane departure warning, lane change assist, emergency lane keep assist, electronic stability control and fatigue reminder. It’s a comprehensive technology offer that ensures the Mifa 9 is at the cutting edge of accident-avoidance technology.   

It is powered by a 90kWh lithium-ion battery delivering a WLTP combined range of up to 440km^ depending on the variant.

Charging time for the Mifa 9 via an 11kw charger takes approximately 8.5 hours, while DC fast-charging takes approximately 36 minutes to charge from 20-80% full.

Full details, specification and pricing of the eT60, eDeliver 9 and Mifa 9 will be revealed during the launch phase in November.