New Maxus T90EV electric pickup truck is now on sale in the UK

The Maxus T90EV pickup truck is now available to order, with prices starting at £49,950 excluding VAT. While the Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning and Hummer EV are all on sale in the USA, the Maxus currently has no electric rivals this side of the pond. Deliveries are expected to start in the first few months of 2023.

Its price is considerably more than diesel alternatives like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, but its running costs should be much lower. The Maxus also gets a reversing camera, a 10.25-inch touchscreen and auto wipers but, given the price, we would have liked things such as LED headlights, climate control, adaptive cruise control and sat nav.

It’s not known whether you get a companion app to facilitate remote charge starting or cabin preheating; there is a ‘Maxus intelligence on board’ subscription, but its website is frustratingly short of detail. We do know that optional extras include a stainless steel sports bar, load bay covers, a front bumper winch pack and all-terrain tyres.

The T90EV is based on a combustion-engine model, so this isn’t a bespoke electric truck like the Rivian. In place of the original T90’s running gear you get an 89kWh battery located under the chassis, which is enough for a range of 220 miles on the WLTP test, according to Maxus. We therefore expect the T90EV will be able to cover over 150 miles on a charge in mixed driving conditions.

Compare that to the Rivian R1T which has a 314-mile range on the American EPA test cycle when fitted with a 135kWh battery. Meanwhile, the Ford F-150 Lightning can cover over 230 miles in standard-range form, equipped with a 98kWh battery.

The T90EV can at least charge at 80kW. At that speed you’ll get from 20-80% in 45 minutes.

The Maxus’ battery feeds a single 201bhp electric motor on the rear axle, making the T90EV rear-wheel drive only – unlike the Rivian, Ford or Hummer. The T90EV’s maximum payload capacity is 1,000kg, which means it comes with VAT savings for eligible businesses. When it was originally revealed, the payload was claimed to be 740kg – which would be much less than its rivals and not enough to qualify for tax breaks.

The T90EV comes in a double cab bodystyle, with fairly ordinary pickup truck styling. The truck measures 5,365mm x 1,900mm x 1,809mm, which is about the same size as the Ford Ranger, but T90EV’s cargo bed is smaller with a load length of less than 1.5 metres. Maxus says its pickup can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 1,500kg, although needs to be confirmed.

In addition to the T90EV, Maxus has launched the Mifa 9 eight-seat minibus, which will also go on sale in August.