Maxus expands EU portfolio with electric pickup and minivan

Maxus has expanded its European model range with three new electric models: the T90 pickup truck, the MIFA 9 minivan, and the 7,5-ton Electric Light Truck. With this expansion, the Chinese manufacturer enters both passenger and heavier commercial vehicle markets.

Maxus, part of the Chinese conglomerate SAIC and imported by Astara Western Europe in Belgium, only had two vehicles in its continental European model range up to now: the smaller eDeliver3 electric van and the larger (e)Deliver9. However, this is about to change, with three new models announced at the IAA Transportation in Hannover.

T90 EV pickup

Firstly, we have the T90 EV pickup truck, which was already on the market in China and had already been presented in the UK. The T90 EV measures 5,37 m in length and features a double cab with a 1,49 m long and 1,51 m wide cargo bed.

The maximum load capacity is 925 kg, while the 89 kWh battery promises a WLTP range of 330 km. Power is provided by a 150 kW (204 hp) and 310 Nm electric motor, which drives the rear wheels.

MIFA 9 minivan

Next, Maxus announces its debut in the European passenger vehicle market with the MIFA 9, a large electric minivan with seven seats. The name stands for ‘Maximum, Intelligent, Friendly, and Artistic’, which are qualities that are not easily determined from this static presentation. Still, the MIFA 9 does feature a striking modern-looking design.

The Maxus MIFA 9 is 5,27 m long, 2 m wide and features a 90 kWh battery, which should yield a 440 km WLTP range. The electric motor develops 180 kW (245 hp) and 350 Nm. Maxus promises “royal” interior space and a high level of comfort for the passengers, with an “arsenal” of driver assistance systems to ensure safety.

Electric Light Truck

Lastly, Maxus presents its Electric Light Truck, a 7,5-ton delivery vehicle with a 128 kWh battery, which gives it a 210 km combined WLTP range, although Maxus says it will reach up to 412 km in urban environments. The Electric Light Truck has a length of 5,85 to 6,4 m and features an extensive range of active safety systems.

“Our long-term goal is to become as relevant in the car and truck space as we are now for the light commercial vehicle market,” explains Jack Zhu, General Manager for Europe at Maxus. Prices or launch dates have not yet been announced, however.