Australia’s first electric ute heads to the ACT for a test-drive

The first ever all-electric ute commercially available on the Australian market made its way to Canberra this week for ACT Government teams to test drive.

ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Transport Canberra and City Services and Chief Ministers Treasury and Economic Development Directorate gathered together to find out more about the electric ute and how it can potentially be used by their teams.

The LDV eT60 electric model became available for commercial purchase in late 2022 and flags a new era of larger light vehicles that are all-electric in Australia. While not suited to off-road driving, vehicles like the eT60, offer a zero emissions alternative to teams who need to transport equipment as they move about our city.

The ute can cover up to 330km on a single charge. It also includes regenerative braking and can be charged from 20%-80% in 45 minutes.

Australia now has access to a growing range of light electric vehicle (EV) models. However larger light zero emissions vehicles that are often required by operational ACT Government teams, are still emerging on the Australian market. This is anticipated to change fast and the new ute demonstrates how the transport industry is responding to the climate change challenge and developing solutions.

To help the ACT become a net zero emissions city by 2045, the ACT Government is committed to reducing transport emissions from government operations. For example, the ACT Government vehicle fleet has the greatest EV adoption across Australia and has committed to ensuring that 100% of all newly leased government passenger vehicles are zero emissions where fit for purpose. Government will continue trialling new zero emissions technologies to best understand how they can be integrated into our fleets.

Find out more about how the ACT Government is supporting the expansion of zero emissions vehicles in the ACT.

Businesses who are also looking to get more zero emissions vehicles into their fleet can access information and advice through the Business Fleet Advisory Service.