LDV eT60 electric ute now half-price after being outsold by $1 million Rolls-Royce
09/17/2024 02:00 PM
Slow sales have prompted massive discounts on Australia’s first electric ute, which is usually twice the price of the diesel version with a third of the driving range.
The LDV eT60 electric ute has been subjected to massive discounts – more than 50 per cent, or $50,000 off its regular price – as it is outsold by nearly every other new vehicle on sale, including a circa-million-dollar electric Rolls-Royce.
Only 95 examples of the LDV eT60 have been sold in Australia since it arrived almost two years ago, priced from $92,990 plus on-road costs – or about $100,000 drive-away for a private buyer, the exact price dependent on where it is registered.
Now LDV dealers have begun advertising near-new demonstrator examples – with less than 3000km on the odometer – on Drive Marketplace and other classifieds websites for as little as $47,990 drive-away.
Even the most expensive example listed for sale – a 2023-plate model, with just 20km on the odometer – is advertised for $84,990 drive-away, about $10,000 to $15,000 off its standard price.
At its standard RRP, the LDV eT60 is approximately twice the price of the diesel version, but is rated with around a third of the driving range – 330km in lab testing.
Its towing capacity is also a third of the diesel T60 – 1000kg vs 3000kg – although it has a similar payload (1000kg electric vs up to 935kg diesel).
While LDV Australia has held firm on the RRP of the eT60, its New Zealand counterpart recently introduced a $NZ41,990 ($AU38,300) drive-away offer that makes it the country's cheapest new electric vehicle outright.
It makes it even more affordable than compact electric hatchbacks from MG, GWM and BYD – and approximately half its previous list price of $NZ79,990 ($AU73,000) plus on-road costs.
The LDV eT60 is in run-out in New Zealand ahead of a new 4×4 electric ute, which is due in Australia early next year with boxy Hummer-like styling.
It is yet to be confirmed if the new LDV electric ute – set to be named Interstellar X in China – will replace the eT60 in Australia, though it is likely.
MORE: LDV's next HiLux, Ranger ute rival for Australia leaked, due next year
Only 14 LDV eT60 utes have been reported as delivered in Australia so far this year – outsold by the Rolls-Royce Spectre (15 examples), an electric car which starts from $770,000 plus on-road costs, or close to $1 million on the road with options.
Although the Australian discounts being offered on the LDV eT60 are specific to demonstrator examples in stock at dealers, the ute is the latest electric vehicle to have its price slashed as growth of electric vehicle (EV) sales cool.
Tesla, MG, BYD, GWM, Nissan, Peugeot and Renault are among the car manufacturers that have reduced EV prices over the past six months, some by up to $25,000.
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