Australian farmers have raised their concerns about the range of the all-electric LDV T60, claiming that it’s not suitable for agricultural work.
Heralded as Australia’s first electric dual cab ute, the LDV eT60 has (on paper) all the credentials to be a great, sustainable farm hand, however, it appears that Aussie farmers are not convinced.
Rugged looks, sturdy, lined tub, one-tonne towing capability and a 220v power outlet are just some of the features that should appeal to the great outdoorsman, but it’s the eye-watering
$92,990+orc price tag and moreso the claim of ‘330-kilometre range on a single charge’ that has the rural community divided.
Australia is a vast and unforgiving country and according to Staista as of June 30, 2021, the average area operated of large cropping farms in Australia was around 4.66 thousand hectares, which, even in the best case 330km scenario, will raise anxiety levels.
“We do big kilometres in Australia, probably more than anyone would do in Europe or the US, and range anxiety is a real thing,” Farming expert and research engineer for Farming Ahead magazine Ben White told the ABC.
But what’s causing more concern is the quoted range itself though, as 330km is the upper end of the eT60’s range capabilities, meaning under ideal conditions and unladen. Therefore, taking equipment, supplies, passengers or attempting to tow something dramatically reduces range and conversely increases anxiety – to the point where, for many, using the current ute is not exactly feasible.
“We want to be able to drive through the paddocks, we want to be able to check stock, we want to be able to carry loads to and from town, so it comes back to that equivalence and being able to do that job we need it to do,” said White.
So although, and quite rightly, Federal ministers such as Catherine King and Chris Bowen have been quick to sing the praises of eT60 in terms of its reduced environmental impact,
its limitations may make it unsuitable for many farms.
Increased battery technology and subsequent range to maybe double the current capacity will be key, however, hopefully that won’t raise the already elevated price.
