When the UK’s commercial vehicle market becomes fully electrified, not many people may recognize the Maxus T90EV as one of its pioneers. The Maxus T90EV is Britain’s first electric pick-up truck, manufactured in Wuxi, China by SAIC, a car-industry giant from Asia. SAIC also owns brands like Roewe and MG Motor. The T90 is a mid-sized truck that has been modified to meet the UK’s registration requirements for a working flatbed. In the UK, it is classified as a ‘one-tonne’ truck by Maxus, even though it carries less than 1000kg in other markets. Maxus has enhanced its load-carrying capabilities to comply with the tax status and introduced it to the UK market in 2022.

If you’ve seen the Maxus badge on the grille before, it’s because SAIC acquired LDV, formerly known as Leyland DAF in the UK. The Maxus T90EV is available through a network of 60 UK dealerships, starting from just under £50,000 excluding VAT. Choosing an electric pick-up truck like the T90EV offers significant tax savings compared to conventional diesel trucks.

The T90EV is equipped with a 201bhp electric motor that provides sufficient power and acceleration. However, the interior of the truck is quite plain and sparsely fitted out, albeit modern. The ride and handling of the T90EV are rougher than the average pick-up truck, mainly due to Maxus’s efforts to strengthen its load-carrying capability. The real-world range of the T90EV is approximately 200 miles, which may decrease slightly when driven solely on the motorway.

Pros: The Maxus T90EV is an impressive and powerful truck.

Cons: It can be quite expensive, starting at around £150,000, and it may require frequent fueling.

If you’re willing to deal with the inconveniences of owning an imported, full-size, left-hand-drive truck from the American market, some might argue that you should go all out and get a proper one. And when it comes to a “proper” truck, the Hennessey Mammoth fits the bill.