SAIC Maxus, a subsidiary of Chinese automotive giant SAIC Group, has unveiled Europe’s first all-wheel-drive (AWD) electric vehicle (EV) pickup truck. 

The eTerron 9, revealed at the IAA Transportation event in Hanover, marks a new milestone in the company’s plans for expansion in the European market. According to SAIC Maxus, the eTerron 9 is powered by a dual motor setup: a 200 kW (268 hp) rear motor and a 125 kW (168 hp) front motor. Also, the electric truck delivers a combined output of 325 kW (436 hp). This potent powertrain enables the eTerron 9 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds.

With the eTerron 9’s 102 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, it provides up to 430 km (267 miles) of range on the WLTP combined cycle. The EV also supports fast charging, allowing the battery to be charged from 20% to 80% in around 40 minutes at up to 115 kW.

Moreover, the eTerron 9 features a Tetris Battery Pack, a nine-cell protective framework that optimizes battery placement for increased capacity and safety. An advanced nine-channel ventilation system improves range in winter by 10% compared to conventional EVs. The eTerron 9 also offers Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, with multiple power outlets including a 6.6 kW external connection, allowing the truck to serve as a mobile power bank.

Furthermore, the eTerron 9 features a 236-liter “frunk” under the hood and an electrically lowering rear wall that extends the cargo bed to 2.40 meters (7.9 feet). With a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes (7,716 lbs) and a payload capacity of 620 kg (1,367 lbs), the eTerron 9 aims to compete with traditional pickup trucks in terms of utility.

Off-road capability is ensured by the All-Terrain System (ATS), which offers six preset driving modes plus a customizable mode for various conditions. This, combined with the electric truck’s 5.50-meter (18 feet) length, positions the eTerron 9 as a versatile vehicle for both work and leisure.

In terms of both aesthetics and safety in the eTerron 9’s design, the electric truck features a “New Electrified Mecha” design aesthetic and a Great Surround-Terrain Lighting system. Safety is prioritized with 73% of the structure using submarine-grade ultra-high-strength steel, designed to meet Euro NCAP five-star safety certification standards.

The eTerron 9 also offers a luxurious interior with soft leather and MPV-grade comfort seats. While pricing has not been announced, it’s expected to command a premium over the company’s existing T90EV model, which starts at around £50,000 before VAT in the United Kingdom (UK). Maxus plans to launch the eTerron 9 in Q4 2024, with more details on pricing and specific market availability to be announced closer to the release date.

The introduction of the eTerron 9 is part of a larger strategy by Maxus to expand its presence in Europe. The company has launched five new models globally this year and plans to introduce ten additional models next year.

As electric pickups remain a rarity in Europe, the eTerron 9 positions Maxus at the forefront of this emerging segment. With aims to become increasingly competitive in the coming years, the eTerron 9 arrives as a bold statement of intent from Maxus as it seeks to establish itself as a major player in the European EV market.

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