Maxus eTerron 9 electric bakkie makes surprise Nampo showing
The all-electric Maxus eTerron 9 could go on sale as soon as June. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe
While the Riddara RD6 was a no-show at the opening day Nampo Harvest Day agricultural show outside Bothaville on Tuesday, another all-electric bakkie in the form of the Maxus eTerron 9 did make a surprise appearance.
Maxus is a subsidiary of Chinese carmaker SAIC Motor which also owns MG. Maxus' current local light commercial vehicle portfolio includes the eDeliver 3 van and eDeliver 3 Cab, as well as the T90EV double cab bakkie.
Confusing matters locally is its affiliation with LDV. LDV is the moniker used by Maxus for export markets under which the range of T60 bakkies is sold locally. The shared design language is very clear between the Maxus T90EV and the LDV T60.
ALSO READ: New Terron 9 bakkie coming as part of revised LDV product range
Maxus eTerron 9 keeps badge
But despite the new Maxus Terron 9 reportedly powered by a diesel engine heading for South Africa under the LDV badge via SAIC's Australian operations, the eTerron 9 will keep its Maxus badge in South Africa.
The rear features a horizontal light bar. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe
Maxus told The Citizen Motoring there are currently three eTerron 9 homologation units in South Africa. It all goes well, the all-electric bakkie might go on sale at the end of June already.
The Maxus eTerron 9 features a 102kWh battery powering dual electric motors with a total power output of 325kW. It is clamed to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds with an electric range of over 400km. The bakkie supports DC fast charging of up to 115kWh.
Seven-digit sticker
Entry to the Maxus eTerron 9 range is estimated to be around R1.25-million, with the flagship model expect to cost R1.3m.
The Maxus eTerron 9 features futuristic and American truck-like exterior styling reminding of the plug-in hybrid BYD Shark bakkie.
The interior is very posh for a bakkie. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe
The cabin features a wide dual-screen display and the interior is also finished in premium-like leather touches.
Enviro Automotive confirmed on Monday that the all-electric Riddara RD6 bakkie was set to make its first public showing at Nampo, but was said to be 'delayed'. It will be offered in single motor 200kW and also dual motor 315kW derivatives.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
PODCAST: GWM P300 LS models pose threat to Hilux and Ranger
Starting at a price of R529 900, new double cab derivatives offer serious value for money. GWM is taking the fight to the traditional big dogs of the bakkie scene with two new LS variants of the P300. The P300 is the Chinese manufacturer's mid-tier bakkie below the larger-than-life P500 and above the outgoing P-Series. The two additions to the GWM P300 line-up both feature the 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine that serves in their higher-end siblings and come in at very attractive prices. The rear-wheel drive derivative costs R529 900 and the four-wheel drive model R579 900. GWM P300 LS makes a Pitstop In this week's episode of The Citizen Motoring's Pitstop podcast, we predict what impact the LS derivatives will have. With the top models of the best-selling local bakkies, the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max, all either over a R1-million or very close to it, Chinese carmakers are in the position to offer much lower prices. Similar to what manufacturers from the People's Republic offer in their SUVs, the GWM P300 LS is still stacked to the brim with features despite being lesser specced than its LT and LTD siblings. They come standard with the likes of a rear diff lock, 12.3-inch infotainment display, six-speaker sound system, keyless entry, seven-inch instrument cluster, push-button start, wireless phone charger and reverse camera. ALSO READ: New 'base spec' GWM P300 LS: What's on offer? Smooth diesel power The diesel mill produces 135kW of power and 480Nm of torque and hooked up to nine-speed automatic transmission. GWM claims the 4×2 will sip 7.4 litres per 100km and the 4×4 8L/100km. The LS features a ground clearance of 232mm and a towing capacity of 3 500kg for the 4×4 and 3 000kg for the 4×2. Pricing include a seven-year/200 000 km warranty and a seven-year/75 000 km service plan.
The Citizen
19 hours ago
- The Citizen
Cross Country attired Volvo EX30 aims for EV success off-road
First new Cross Country model in six years also becomes the first to be motivated by an electric powertrain rather than petrol or diesel. Volvo Car South Africa's unveiling of the EX30 Cross Country this week comes at a pivotal time for the Chinese-owned Swedish brand. Here to stay Besides forming part of a product roll-out comprising three models before the end of the year, and a further one in 2026, Gothenburg's future has been shrouded in uncertainty following well publicised reports earlier this year of its dealerships shutting down. ALSO READ: Cross Country trekking Volvo EX30 en-route to South Africa However, according to its newly appointed Managing Director, Grant Locke, an exit for the Geely-owned marque isn't on the drawing board anytime soon as per the imminent arrivals of the facelift XC60 and XC90, and next year, the all-electric ES90. Revival with change Heading these, the EX30 revives the off-road Cross Country moniker last seen locally on the V40 Cross Country six years ago. A further first for the nomenclature as propulsion now comes from electricity instead of petrol or diesel, the single variant also ushers in a number of changes underneath its skin as opposed to being nothing but an aesthetic overhaul. The national launch on the outskirts of Pretoria was, therefore, anything but straightforward as the relatively short route featured extensive gravel driving, which proved to be the Cross Country's most impressive aspect. Black rear bumper and panel between the headlights are unique to the Cross Country. Arriving as the new flagship EX30 variant, the Cross Country uses the top-spec Twin Motor Performance Ultra as a base with power coming from a pair of electric motors driven by the same 69-kWh battery pack as the standard model. Outputting 315kW/543Nm, the Cross Country will get from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, a tenth slower than its sibling, and top out at Volvo's limited top speed of 180 km/h. More crucially, the claimed all-electric range is set at 427 km and the charging time from 10-80% using a DC fast charger, 26 minutes. Cross Country touches Underneath, the Cross Country continues to ride on the same Substantiable Electric Architecture (SEA) as the normal EX30, but, as indicted, with a series of revisions aimed at ultra-light off-road usage. A platform developed by Volvo's sister brand Zeekr, the changes include a 13 mm ground clearance increase to 190 mm, retuned suspension and all-terrain tyres wrapped around gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels. Visually, the adaptions comprise the mentioned wheels, a matte black sealed grille panel complete with a topography monogram of the Kebnekaise mountain range in the Swedish Arctic, black wheel arch extensions and Vapour Grey front and rear skidplates. Standard 19-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in all-terrain tyres. At the rear, the bootlid sports a full-width black panel while the bumper gains a lower black finish. Cross Country badges at the base of the latter and on the C-pillar rounds the exterior off. On the colour front, five hues have been made available; Crystal White, Onyx Black, Vapour Grey, Cloud Blue and the model specific Sand Dune. Optional, the so-called EX30 Cross Country Experience package adds roof rails or a specifically designed carrying basket. Inside Inside, the interior carries over unchanged, meaning the retention of the minimalist layout as all of the major functions, controversially including the mirrors and instrument cluster, are located within the still tricky to use 12.3-inch infotainment system. Interior design has not been changed from the normal EX30. As with the standard Ultra trim, the EX30 Cross Country comes equipped with the Bowers & Wilkins sound system using a sound bar underneath the windscreen rather than speakers, a wireless smartphone charger, a removable central tray and a panoramic sunroof that omits a cover for an opaque-turning glass design. Comparatively, the Cross Country's only other main difference is a choice of two material options, both made out of recycled materials; Pine and Indigo. The drive Encompassing a smidgen over 70 km, with 20 km being gravel, the Cross Country's on-road manners felt unaffected by the all-terrain tyres and revised suspension as it proved comfortable and refined without noise from the former seeping into cabin. At the same time, the off-road inclusions haven't negated the EX30's performance feel, which, in typical EV fashion, provides immediate acceleration way past the national limit. Two recycled material options are available for the interior; Indigo and the depicted Pine. Still as compact in feel as the normal EX30, the Cross Country's most impressive attribute, as mentioned, was its feel on the gravel section of the route. More akin to driving on tar, the tweaks to the suspension have resulted in a soft and forgiven ride, but without the typical 'hit-through' sensation when traversing areas littered with sharp stones or washaways. What's more, the Cross Country doesn't feel cumbersome and, as a result of the electric all-wheel-drive system, surefooted and grippy. Conclusion The Volvo EX30 Cross Country makes for an interesting addition to a line-up claimed to represent the bulk of EV sales in South Africa. Cross Country name has been revived for the first time in nearly six years. While impressive from a ride and performance aspect, the likelihood of the Cross Country ever venturing off-road remains a contentious issue, never mind the scepticism and hesitation still associated with electric vehicle ownership in South Africa. Billed as an 'experience vehicle' instead of a light-duty off-roader as previous Cross Country or XC models, the EX30 will most remain a niche offering, but one unlikely to disappoint those prepare to take the leap with the range restrictions knowledge of EVs well-known and expected. Price Included in the EX30 Cross Country Twin Motor Performance Elite's R1 165 000 price tag is a five-year/100 000 km warranty, a three-year/60 000 km maintenance plan, an eight-year/160 000 km battery warranty and installation of a wallbox at the desired premises. NOW READ: Volvo EX30 a 'Swedish shopping trolley' ready to outgun supercars
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- TimesLIVE
Toyota to introduce three EV models to South Africa in 2026
Toyota plans to introduce three fully-electric models in South Africa in 2026, a senior executive said on Thursday, entering a nascent electric vehicle (EV) market where Chinese rivals such as BYD are already competing with European carmakers. Volvo dominates EV sales in South Africa, followed by BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but Chinese EV makers are starting to flood the market as they seek new markets amid restrictions on exports to the US and Europe. Toyota only sells hybrid EVs in South Africa, but leads with a commanding 67% of the market for hybrids and plug-in hybrids in 2024, with models such as the Corolla Cross. 'We're launching battery EVs at the beginning of 2026, so we will have three new battery EVs,' Toyota South Africa CEO Andrew Kirby told Reuters on the sidelines of a car components conference, without providing further details. 'We do not believe one powertrain is going to dominate in the future. So we'll have internal combustion engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery EVs, fuel cell EVs and potentially a carbon neutral internal combustion engine.' Low incomes, high import duties, unreliable power availability and a lack of sufficient charging infrastructure have long hampered manufacturers' efforts to sell EVs in South Africa, whose share of total sales is still low. On Chinese competition, Kirby said while he welcomes competition, 'it's a strategic concern for us and we need to make sure we respond in the right way and as quickly as possible. It's a big challenge'. South Africa's automotive sector 'is at an inflection point', he added, with fairly flat production volumes, a drop in local content and a surge in imported vehicle sales. This has prompted the big local car manufacturers, including Toyota, BMW, Isuzu and Volkswagen, to put together a policy recommendation document sent to the trade and industry minister on how to support and protect the industry, Kirby said. 'We have some taxation structures that are a bit counterproductive and so we've made some fiscally neutral policy proposals,' Kirby said, adding that proposals also include the restructuring of the rebate system. 'We are hoping that in the next six months there will be some short-term interventions that can be announced.'
