In line with the successful return of MG, the Chinese group SAIC is pushing its brand of Maxus utility vehicles. After the vans, here is the T90 pick-up, also electric. It will be quickly followed by the large minivan MIFA9.
In its strategy to conquer the European market, the Chinese group SAIC does not only rely on MG. It also deploys its brand of Maxus utility vehicles. It too has British roots since it was the result of the takeover of LDV. In Europe, its offer is based entirely on electric models. After having started with the aging V80, the brand now relies on the eDeliver3 and eDeliver9 vans.
Before the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok
The range is about to expand into a new segment, that of the pick-up. Still electric. Because if we often talk about the electric pick-up on the North American market, it is today in China that this type of model is the most common. Especially since the Chinese models fall into the category of 1 ton pick-ups, more suited to the European market since it is also that of the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and other Volkswagen Amarok.
Already launched in China, the Maxus T90 EV therefore promises to be the first electric pick-up available in Europe. 5,365mm long and 1,900mm wide, it will only be offered in a double-cab version. Its 150 kW motor only drives the rear wheels. No 4WD variant is mentioned at this time. Of course, this is a heavy vehicle, and not really optimized for electric propulsion. The T90 was born as a petrol or diesel pick-up. Thus, its 88.5 kWh battery only allows it a maximum range of 320 km in the WLTP City cycle and much less in real use outside the city. Its payload will be 740 kg.
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Transporter DPD adds 750 electric vans to its English fleet
The T90 EV was shown at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show. It will be marketed in Great Britain to begin with and its arrival in the rest of Europe will take place gradually at the end of 2022 and in 2023.
A top-of-the-range minivan
Maxus will also launch an electric minivan in 2023, the MIFA9. Its 180 kW and 350 Nm motor is powered by a 93 kWh battery supplied by CATL. The manufacturer only announces the NEDC autonomy of 520 km. The WLTP range can be estimated at around 400 km. This large 5.27 m minivan is not necessarily intended to become a long-term family vehicle. The Chinese brand targets more shuttle use: taxis, hotel or business shuttles, etc. This is also the basic use of this type of vehicle in China where the MIFA9 is already marketed. This explains the layout of its passenger compartment with 2 very comfortable seats in the second row, but 3 small seats in the third row.
In line with the successful return of MG, the Chinese group SAIC is pushing its brand of Maxus utility vehicles. After the vans, here is the T90 pick-up, also electric. It will be quickly followed by the large minivan MIFA9.
In its strategy to conquer the European market, the Chinese group SAIC does not only rely on MG. It also deploys its brand of Maxus utility vehicles. It too has British roots since it was the result of the takeover of LDV. In Europe, its offer is based entirely on electric models. After having started with the aging V80, the brand now relies on the eDeliver3 and eDeliver9 vans.
Before the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok
The range is about to expand into a new segment, that of the pick-up. Still electric. Because if we often talk about the electric pick-up on the North American market, it is today in China that this type of model is the most common. Especially since the Chinese models fall into the category of 1 ton pick-ups, more suited to the European market since it is also that of the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and other Volkswagen Amarok.
Already launched in China, the Maxus T90 EV therefore promises to be the first electric pick-up available in Europe. 5,365mm long and 1,900mm wide, it will only be offered in a double-cab version. Its 150 kW motor only drives the rear wheels. No 4WD variant is mentioned at this time. Of course, this is a heavy vehicle, and not really optimized for electric propulsion. The T90 was born as a petrol or diesel pick-up. Thus, its 88.5 kWh battery only allows it a maximum range of 320 km in the WLTP City cycle and much less in real use outside the city. Its payload will be 740 kg.
Read also
Transporter DPD adds 750 electric vans to its English fleet
The T90 EV was shown at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show. It will be marketed in Great Britain to begin with and its arrival in the rest of Europe will take place gradually at the end of 2022 and in 2023.
A top-of-the-range minivan
Maxus will also launch an electric minivan in 2023, the MIFA9. Its 180 kW and 350 Nm motor is powered by a 93 kWh battery supplied by CATL. The manufacturer only announces the NEDC autonomy of 520 km. The WLTP range can be estimated at around 400 km. This large 5.27 m minivan is not necessarily intended to become a long-term family vehicle. The Chinese brand targets more shuttle use: taxis, hotel or business shuttles, etc. This is also the basic use of this type of vehicle in China where the MIFA9 is already marketed. This explains the layout of its passenger compartment with 2 very comfortable seats in the second row, but 3 small seats in the third row.
