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Australia isn’t ready for electric utes, for now – Kia Australia boss

Limited driving ranges – which are halved when towing or carrying a load – are among the reasons today's electric utes are not ready for most Australians, according to a top Kia executive.

The local boss of South Korean car giant Kia says the current generation of electric utes – with high prices, and limited driving ranges that are cut in half when towing – are not yet suited to Australia.
Kia head office is currently developing two electric pick-ups, both due in 2026 – including one based on the diesel 'Tasman' ute coming to Australian showrooms mid next year.
However the CEO of Kia Australia, Damien Meredith, has acknowledged that – with current battery technology – electric utes are not yet suitable for Australian buyers who require a large payload and towing capacity without sacrificing driving range.

Only one electric ute is on sale in Australia, the LDV eT60, but it costs about $100,000 drive-away, more than double the price of the diesel version, and can tow a third of what the diesel can (1000kg vs 3000kg).

Electric pick-ups sold in the US can travel further unladen – and tow up to 4.5 tonnes – but independent testing has found driving range is cut roughly in half when towing at maximum capacity, or the tray is full.
It is this mix – a need to drive long distances, carry loads, tow even larger loads, and be capable of off-road use, while offering SUV-like interior comfort – that means utes are considered the hardest type of vehicle to electrify.
"We can all answer that question from different points of view, but ... bluntly, I don't think we're ready for an electric ute in Australia right now with what's available, for lots of reasons," Mr Meredith told Drive when asked if Australia is ready for an electric ute.
"If payload comes into play, instead of having a 450-kilometre range, you've got a 200-kilometre range. There are lots of negatives I think we're gaining."

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Well done Rusty, back to you.

Great pics , thanks for sharing Rusty.,