Maxus T90 EV from China: What does Europe’s first e-delivery do?

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Contrary to popular belief, the first electric pick-up comes from Maxus, not from manufacturers like Ford, Volkswagen or Nissan. The T90 EV is the first electric pickup truck launched in Europe. Bestsellers like the Ford Ranger or VW Amarok it co-developed aren’t expected to arrive as electric variants until the middle of the decade – Maxus buzzed out of them with the T90 EV.

Rear wheel drive only

The pickup is powered by a 177 hp (133 kW) electric motor on the rear axle. It’s fast from the start, but with a maximum torque of 310 Nm you’re not really muscular. And at least taller riders have to get used to the high seating position due to the battery pack hidden under the trunk. The lithium-iron-phosphate battery comes from the Transporter eDeliver 9 and has a capacity of 89 kWh, providing a range of 330 kilometers. Standard consumption: 26.8 kWh / 100 kilometers.

The fact that the T90 EV was initially only available with rear-wheel drive should make it irrelevant to a number of potential customers. Because there is not much to be gained out of the ordinary and only a ton of trailer load is possible. Other pickups offer between 2000 and 3500 kilograms.

The T90 EV was originally conceived as an internal combustion engine. The steering is very light and gives very little feedback to the ground. The chassis cushions it somewhat incongruously, but the weight in the loadspace should at least improve the driving experience behind the double cab. But anyone who needs loading capacity also knows this: pickup trucks are designed for ruggedness, not variable ride comfort. You can switch between Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes with a button noticed in the direct direction of the accelerator pedal. A top speed of 120 km/h might be a nuisance outside of Switzerland, but that’s fine here.

Inside there are generously sized seats front and rear. It’s not a lifestyle tool – the T90 EV is an electric workhorse. Not only is the spacious cabin practical, but also the 1.49 x 1.51 meter loading area, which can easily carry larger items weighing up to 925 kilograms.

All-wheel drive will soon follow

Stromer companies must now consider whether the 5.37-metre-long Maxus T90 EV can provide the correct green image as it enters the customer’s driveway almost silently. Maybe you should wait a few more months: Next comes the sensible all-wheel drive version with more towing capacity.

Maybe the battery pack and charging speed will also be improved, because the 80 kW charging capacity is a bit tight these days. It takes 45 minutes to charge from 20 percent to 80 percent of battery capacity with the fast charger.

Starting at CHF 59,774, it’s not only a double cabin with space for up to five people or convenient trunk, but also aluminum wheels, step slats, parking aid and reversing camera, LED headlights and loadspace protection.

Source: Blick