Maxus T90 EV

Electric pick-up offers zero emissions in a rugged shape

- Dean Gibson

THE pick-up truck market will probably A vehicle sector go fully electric, but the Maxus T90 EV is already here to move the class in that direction. While other classes have embraced the EV switch with dedicated electric-car platforms, Maxus has gone down the route of installing its running gear in the chassis of an existing combustion-engined model.

In this instance, that's the Chinese-market T90 pick-up. That means you're getting a traditional looking pick-up even the Ford F-150 Lightning looks more futuristic - with a large, imposing grille up front and a traditional three-box, five-seat double-cab configuration.

The engine bay features electrical systems in place of a diesel engine, but the only place where the T90 EV's 88.6kWh battery can fit is beneath the bodyshell. As a result, the diesel T90's four-wheel-drive running gear has been eliminated, while the truck's raised ride height means the battery enclosure is clearly visible from the outside.

Drive comes from a rear axle-mounted electric motor, but this is fitted in line with the rear wheels and hangs lower than the differential. As a result, ground clearance isn't on a par with those of diesel pick-ups. Maxus quotes clearance of 187mm, while the approach and departure angles are 27 and 24 degrees respectively. A Toyota Hilux has 310mm of ground clearance and angles of 29 and 26 degrees.

Those figures will limit the T90 EV's offroad ability, and while it does get standard-fit hill descent control, this really is a truck that has the show, but not the off-road go.