LDV Terron 9 utes – diesel and electric

The new-generation LDV Terron 9 ute series, with a choice of battery-electric or new-generation diesel power, is due in Australian showrooms in mid-2025.

In late-2024, LDV Automotive Australia said the LDV eTerron 9 electric ute and the LDV Terron 9 diesel will be sold alongside the LDV T60 ute series in Australia.

The Terron 9 models are around 100mm longer and wider than the T60; around 40mm higher and also have 100mm longer wheelbase.

“We want to make sure when a ute buyer walks into an LDV showroom, we have a vehicle that offers value across a range of price points,” said LDV Australia general manager, Dinesh Chinnappa.

“We are not going to leave our traditional ute buyers behind: rather, the LDV Terron ute series will broaden our offerings across the ute segment.”

That statement indicates that the Terron 9 will be more expensive than the T60, but prices and specifications for the eTerron 9 electric ute and the Terron 9 new-generation diesel ute will be announced closer to Australian showroom deliveries.

Two LDV Terron 9 prototypes were undergoing final validation testing in late-2024, on a range of Australian roads to validate advanced safety systems. The test route included major arterials and backroads in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, as well as the metropolitan areas and outskirts of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

“The purpose of this validation test is to ensure the new-generation LDV Terron ute series is ready for Australian driving conditions,” said Mr Chinnappa.

“The arrival of these vehicles for final validation testing shows the factory recognises the importance of the Australian market.

“Certain segments of the ute market are not only ready for an electric ute, they’ve been pleading for one: particularly fleets and mining companies who want a factory-built, turn-key solution straight off the showroom floor, rather than a diesel vehicle that has been converted to electric power.” 

The pioneering LDV eT60 electric ute has recorded only modest sales in Australia since it went on sale in late-2022 – only 100 examples sold as at late-2024 – the company has high expectations for the all-new LDV eTerron 9.

“This is a completely different vehicle, inside and out,” said Mr Chinnappa.

“We are proud that the LDV eT60 was the first electric ute in Australian showrooms, but we are also proud to demonstrate just how far electric ute technology has progressed with this all-new model.”

Details about the new-generation diesel-powered Terron 9 weren’t available in late-2024, but we derived some information about the eTerron 9 BEV from its European release, under the Maxus brand name.

The Maxus brand was introduced by British van maker LDV Group (formerly Leyland-DAF Vehicles) and LDV was bought out by China’s SAIC Motor in 2010. The Maxus brand is better known in Europe, but in Australia the ute will carry the LDV monniker.

The Chinese brand launched the new eTerron 9 EV pickup at the IAA Hanover Auto Show in Germany, in September 2024.

Powered by two electric motors (125kW front and 200kW rear), the eTerron 9 had a combined output of 325kW and could tow up to 3500kg, but had only 620kg maximum payload.

With the 102kWh LFP battery choice, the eTerron 9 had a claimed 430km World-harmonised Light-vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP) driving range. It could also be charged from 20-percent to 80-percent battery state of charge (SOC) in about 40 minutes, with 115kW input at fast charging stations.

LDV said an optimised venting system and battery design improved range by 18 percent in cold weather, compared with other EVs on the market.

The ute’s All-Terrain System (ATS) controlled six driving modes for off-road conditions. Height-adjustable air suspension was standard, but steel-spring suspension was optional.

Electric outlets allowed the eTerron 9 to function as a power station when stationary at a worksite, for example, or to supplement household electric mains power. Electrically-operated tailgate and front boot lid were standard.

The eTerron 9 will probably replace LDV’s eT60 2WD EV ute that is currently available in Australia, at a ludicrous RRP of 93 grand.  It was based around the LDV Pro variant and powered by an 88.55kWh lithium-ion battery and electric-motor rear axle, with a claimed range of only 330km.

Although it had a claimed payload of 1000kg, the 2WD eT60 had a paltry towing capacity of 1000kg and sales matched its poor specifications.

The 2025 eTerron 9 should do much better, provided pricing can be kept around the $100k mark. (It was priced at Stg£53,000 – A$104,000 – in the UK, in late-2024.) We’ll have more Aussie-market details available in early 2025.