Louth Motors: A Pioneering EV Pick-up

In fairness you’d have expected one of the other major players in the pick-up space to bring an all-electric one to the market but the pioneering honour goes to Maxus with their T90EV.

It is a bold attempt to combine utilitarian function with environmental sustainability making a play for businesses looking to transition to zero-emissions vehicles.

However, its appeal is tempered by a few shortcomings that limit its versatility and overall performance.

The T90EV is defined by its electric powertrain, which offers a smooth, quiet driving experience. It’s looks would never single it out to be electric looking as it does very much like lots of other twin-cabs in the genre.

The 201 bhp motor provides instant torque, making acceleration brisk, especially at lower speeds. Its 88.5 kWh battery has a claimed range of up to 354 kms under ideal conditions.

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Real-world usage will be reduced depending on load and during colder spells. The most immediate benefit with this pick-up is the elimination of engine noise that's typical of diesel pick-ups which creates a welcome, relaxed driving environment.

In terms of practicality, the T90EV is a direct replacement for a diesel competitor and retains all the functional elements expected in such a work vehicle.

The spacious cabin offers good passenger comfort and the cargo bed is well-sized for light commercial use. The T90EV is rear-wheel-drive only but driving modes provide flexibility, allowing drivers to manage range (Eco) or access additional performance (Power) if needed.

The T90EV’s off-road capability is restricted due to rear-wheel drive only and coupled with limited ground this clearance makes it unsuitable for challenging terrain.

Above: The interior of the Maxus T90EV

The lack of four-wheel drive, combined with a towing capacity of just 1,000 kg for braked trailers, further diminishes its functional capability compared to competitors in the segment.

A Hilux for instance has a towing limit of 3,500kg, but the payload in the back of the T90EV of up to 1,000kg is on par with others. These shortcomings make the vehicle less appealing for those needing a pick-up for mixed-use tasks that include heavy towing or off-road work. Ride quality is another area where the T90EV could do better.

When travelling over uneven surfaces, the stiff suspension results in a bouncy, uncomfortable ride. Granted I only drove it unladen so maybe with a load onboard it might settle down.

Handling feels a bit vague with little feel and feedback through the steering wheel and feels very light and city car like. On smooth roads it's fine but its lack of refinement on less than pristine surfaces becomes noticeable very quickly and can feel what's best described as fidgety.

The T90EV offers basic functionality inside but falls short of modern standards. The cabin materials are practical and easy to clean but the design and technology feel dated. The infotainment system via a 10.25-inch screen lacks built-in navigation and detailed EV-specific tools, offering most functionality through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Charging the T90EV is straightforward but not exceptionally fast. Using an up to 80 kW DC charger max., it can go from 20% to 80% charge in about 45 minutes. For most users, home charging will be the preferred option, though it takes up to 13 hours for a full recharge. If you are doing a lot of business miles daily that 80kW max. charge rate might prove very annoying, very soon.

The one model line-up Maxus T90EV is priced at a premium, €58,117 excluding VAT and VRT, reflecting its position as a pioneering electric pick-up.

The premium priced label is apt because a Hilux, including VRT and VAT, will cost you from €50,530. Running costs will be lower than diesel alternatives, thanks to the relative, recently corrected affordability of electricity, but the initial investment is steep, particularly when weighed against some of its limitations.

The Maxus T90EV should be lauded for bringing electricity to the pick-up sector. It is a hard nosed sector with purchase costs, running costs and practicality analysed unemotionally.

That will make the T90EV a difficult choice to make unless, and it is a big unless, businesses want to enhance their environmental credentials and boasting rights.

To be able to say that your organic whatever produce was collected/harvested/ transported by electric power only would be pioneering which the T90EV certainly is. I just wish it was executed a bit better and I am sure the next version of this will probably be what this version should have been.