Maxus, a subsidiary of SAIC Motor
Unveiled its electric pickup truck model
Plans to compete with the Tasman
Kia’s upcoming pickup truck, set to rival the Tasman, faces competition from Maxus, which has recently made its mark in mainland China. Launched in 2011 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAIC Motor—one of China’s top five automotive manufacturers—Maxus was created by acquiring British automaker LDV. It is sold under the LDV name in Australia and the UK while operating as Maxus in other markets. The brand has expanded its presence to several countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, and the UK.
Maxus is preparing to unveil its electric pickup truck, the eTerron 9, in European and UK markets. This all-wheel-drive model has generated considerable interest as it will be the first all-wheel-drive electric pickup truck available in the UK. The eTerron 9 debuted at the IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, Germany, further solidifying its place in the competitive electric vehicle landscape.
Rustic but future-oriented
Seriously committed to securing space
The eTerron 9 features a futuristic mechanical design, with C-shaped headlights at the front representing the vehicle’s concept well. The grille beneath the headlights can be combined with an electric frunk to provide up to 236 liters of additional space. In terms of body size, it is 5,359 mm(211.0 inches) in length, 2,004 mm(78.9 inches) in width, and 1,871 mm(73.7 inches) in height, making it slightly larger than Toyota’s Hilux or Ford’s Ranger.
For the powertrain, dual motors generate 170 horsepower in the front and 272 horsepower in the rear, generating a maximum output of 442 horsepower. It is also equipped with a 102 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery that can be charged at up to 115 kW, allowing it to be charged from 20% to 80% in about 40 minutes. It can load up to 620 kg(1,367 pounds) and tow up to about 3,500 kg(7,716 pounds).
The interior features two-tone leather
Ensuring top-notch driving capabilities
Unlike the rough and thick exterior, the interior uses a two-tone beige and brown leather combination and is equipped with an independent display. It includes various amenities, such as an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with ventilation and massage functions. When the two front seats are folded, a space of 1,700 mm (66.9 inches) is secured, enough to be used as a bedroom.
The semi-monocoque body combines the advantages of a unibody structure and body-on-frame, providing passengers with excellent driving stability and comfort. It also features a multi-link rear suspension with air suspension that automatically adjusts the vehicle height to the conditions, and various driving modes, such as normal, sand, mud, and custom, are available.
Set to launch in Europe later this year
It will compete with the Tasman overseas
The eTerron 9 can travel up to 430 km (267 miles) (WLTP standard) on a single charge. The V2L (Vehicle to Load) mode allows the energy stored in the battery to be used by connecting external devices. In addition to the 2.2 kW socket in the trunk and charging area described above, a 6.6 kW socket outside can charge various camping tools and electric bicycles.
The eTerron 9 is scheduled to go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2024. While the price has not been confirmed, it is expected to be more expensive than the Maxus T90EV, which starts at about 49,950 GBP (approx. 66,250 USD). It is expected to compete in major overseas markets with Kia’s Tasman, which will launch in 2025.
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