FUTURE UTES

The electric revolution is set to change the way pick-up fans work, rest and play

The ute of the future will be able to outaccelerate a Ferrari, power your house, double as a worksite power supply and perform off-road manoeuvres a regular car can’t come close to.

While diesel has long dominated the ute universe, an influx of all-electric load luggers is set to lay fresh foundations for the trayback market over the coming decade.

It will also usher in new technology with advanced software and connectivity as utes increasingly match SUVs and passenger cars for comfort and gadgets.

Early examples from Ford and newcomer Rivian are due in American dealerships this year as rivals play catch-up in the booming ute space. While neither is confirmed to come here, Australia’s record ute sales means we are on the medium-term radar for some of the new EV utes.

Already there are some astonishing figures associated with electric utes. The new Hummer “supertruck” that hits American dealerships in 2023 will produce almost as much power as Ferrari’s fastest-ever road car, the SF90. It’s estimated to hit 60mph (96km/h) in about three seconds, enough to trounce your average Porsche 911 in the traffic light grand prix.

Here are some that could make it Down Under:

FORD F-150 LIGHTNING

The F-150 is Ford’s top seller globally and is at the forefront of the EV pickup truck conversation with an all-electric model called Lightning.

Since the announcement of the US$39,974plus ute Ford has almost quadrupled planned production capacity to 150,000 vehicles annually. The Lightning promises more power and performance than any F-150 powered by petrol and it can power a house in a blackout for up to three days or supply power for tools and camping gear via power outlets in the tray.

It’s a long shot to come to Australia in the short term, although Ford Australia is no doubt be given the increasing interest in large pickups locally. One curveball could be the imminent arrival of an EV version of the Ranger, which would arguably make more sense locally.

CHEVROLET SILVERADO EV

Borrowing its name from the large pickup already converted to right-hand drive in Australia, the electric version is a very different beast. It sits on a bespoke EV architecture that places front wheels further forward and maximises cabin space, while introducing some innovative loading features, such as a 60/40 split-folding rear seat that allows longer items to poke into the passenger compartment. Like many EV utes there’s also under bonnet storage. Plus it can travel 650km between charges and supply up to 10.2kW to external source. You can use a phone as a key and it has four-wheel steering for better manoeuvrability.

While many EV utes promise to lug more than a LandCruiser, the Silverado takes it to a new level with the promise of a future model that can tow up to nine tonnes.

RIVIAN R1T

The first brand to deliver an electric ute to customers, little known newcomer Rivian has a cult following no doubt helped by the Ewan McGregor adventure series Long Way Up. Rivian development vehicles provided EV assistance for electric motorbikes traversing 21,000km across South America.

Rivian’s business model is underpinned by orders from part owner Amazon, the retailing giant planning to use upcoming Rivian vans to send packages around the world. And it plans to start right-hand drive production of its R1T truck this year ahead of an Australian arrival as early as 2024.

Four electric motors promise 0-100km/h sprint times of about three seconds. Interiors finished in “vegan leather” and real wood emphasis the eco focus and there’s a vast range of accessories including a camp kitchen.

TESLA CYBERTRUCK

Like all Teslas the radical Cybertruck is running late. Latest reports suggest the earliest it will arrive is 2023. There appear to be substantial challenges with a car that uses a stainless steel exoskeleton rather than traditional body panels. The production model will also need mirrors and windscreen wipers, among other tweaks.

There’s also the question of whether the Cybertruck will even be sold in Australia, with mixed messages from the notoriously secretive brand, although Tesla is still taking $150 refundable deposits on its Australian website.

TOYOTA HILUX EV

Toyota’s been slow to the EV party but has confirmed it is about to go big with at least 15 battery electric models by 2030, one of which will be a ute. An EV version of the US market Tundra is all but guaranteed while the topselling Hilux is set to pick up some form of electrification.

One option is hydrogen fuel cell tech, which Toyota thinks will be a big part of our motoring future. There’s the rather large issue of refuelling infrastructure, but the lure of fiveminute refuelling times is a tempting EV proposition.

My 66,000km BMW X6 suffered faulty air suspension. I couldn’t get an appointment at my BMW dealer to diagnose it for three weeks, then the parts needed to repair would be (maybe) delivered from Germany in another six weeks. I’ll be without a vehicle for nine weeks. As it’s five years old and out of warranty I’m not offered a loan vehicle. The service department is understaffed and blamed Covid and supply chains.

Greg Dalton, email

We must have sympathy and patience with all businesses. Covid has caused staffing problems in all manner of workplaces and supply chain delays are very real. Even so, your frustration is understandable. I’d suggest checking with a BMW specialist to see if they have air suspension parts in stock, OEM or quality alternatives. Nine weeks is a huge amount of time to be without your car.

SHOULDN’T BE HARD

I own a 2019 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport. The myToyota app says some Corollas can have Android Auto retrofitted for $199. I’ve contacted Toyota and two dealerships and none can tell me if my model is suitable for the retrofit. One dealer wanted to charge me to analyse the car for suitability. I’m happy to pay a $199 fitting fee, but not to check suitability. Gavin O’Toole, email

It’s mystifying why Toyota and its dealers can’t tell you this once they have your VIN. If yours is a Corolla Hatch sold between 15 August 2018 and 13 October 2019, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be retrofitted for $199. Cars sold after this had it fitted as standard. If your Ascent Sport is the sedan version it can’t be retrofitted as it has the older infotainment system. When the updated Corolla sedan arrived in late 2019 it finally offered CarPlay and Android.

UNFIT FOR PURPOSE

The speedo needle fell off our Suzuki Vitara.