Offering 130kW and 310Nm of torque, with a real world range of around 330km, Australia’s first fully electric ute, the 2023 LDV eT60 has arrived down under. A seminal moment in Australia’s automotive history, it proves that weekends don’t have to end just yet.
Exhaust Notes Australia got the chance to put the rear-wheel drive workhorse, based on the Pro version of the T60 Max, through its paces at the recent media launch event, held in country NSW.
Specifically targeting fleet and government buyers as a way to reduce carbon emissions and green up their work vehicles, the eT60 sports an 88.55kWh lithium-ion battery, and similar looks to the diesel version.
The most notable differences are the 17-inch alloys and EV badge on the rear. That aside, you’ll find side steps, body-coloured bumpers and mirrors, LED daytime running lights, and a full chrome sports bar is standard.
Inside, the practicality continues with essentials like multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, six-way electrically-adjustable front seats, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Decent air conditioning is standard too, along with plenty of safety tech, including a host of airbags, reversing camera and rear parking sensors, stability control, emergency brake assist, hill start assist, roll movement intervention and hill descent control.
But if the LDV eT60 falls down anywhere, it’s in its braked towing capacity. Weighing in at a little over 3,000kg it’s a heavy beast, that is capable of towing just 1,000kg. It will handle an identical payload though, so that’s a plus.
There are four tie down points as well, along with a spray-in tub liner. The lithium-ion battery can be charged from 20-80 per cent in approximately 9.0-hours via a standard 11kW charger, or 45 minutes via DC fast-charging.
Regenerative braking helps slow the eT60 down while at the same time supplying power back into the battery.
Using the turbo diesel Pro variant of the T60 Max as a comparison point, the eT60 driving experience feels ultra-futuristic, simple in design and easy to operate. It glides along the road, never once batting an eyelid at hills, thanks to its electric vehicle instant torque.
Although not carrying a load during testing, it seemed to handle beautifully, thanks to its double wishbone front and rear leaf-spring suspension. Tuned to Australian conditions, it also features ventilated disc brakes all round.
While we know this is geared to be a tradie truck, we would love to see the suspension package from the Luxe diesel variant find its way here too. It’s available in Blanc White, Jewel Blue, Lava Grey and Metal Black.
The 2023 LDV eT60 is priced at $92,990 plus on-roads and comes with a 5-year or 160,000km warranty, and 8-year or 160,000km battery warranty. That’s supported by a 5-year or 130,000km roadside assist package.
Our test vehicle was provided by LDV Australia, as part of a media launch event. To find out more about the 2023 LDV eT60 ute, contact your local LDV dealer or visit ldvautomotive.com.au
