The electric ute segment in Australia is finally starting to take shape. After years of waiting, 2026 brings the arrival of the Toyota HiLux BEV alongside a growing field of rivals from MG, KGM, LDV, BYD, and Ford. For tradies, fleet operators, and lifestyle ute buyers thinking about going electric, this is the year the options actually become serious.
This guide walks through every electric ute currently available or imminent in Australia, what each offers, and how the new Toyota HiLux BEV stacks up against the competition.
What Is An Electric Ute?
An electric ute (or electric pickup) is a utility vehicle powered entirely by a battery and one or more electric motors, with no petrol or diesel engine. Pure battery-electric utes are different from plug-in hybrid utes like the Ford Ranger PHEV and BYD Shark 6, which still have an internal combustion engine alongside the electric motor.
For buyers chasing zero tailpipe emissions, lower running costs, and access to growing fleet incentives, the fully electric (BEV) ute is the end game.
Electric Utes Available In Australia In 2026
Here's the current state of the electric ute market in Australia.
Toyota HiLux BEV
- Price: From $74,990 plus on-road costs
Available: Q2 2026
The 2026Toyota HiLux BEV is the long-awaited fully electric version of Australia's most trusted ute. It's offered exclusively as a double cab with dual-motor all-wheel drive across two grades: SR and SR5.
Key specifications:
- Battery: 59.2 kWh lithium-ion
- Motors: Twin motors (82 kW front, 129 kW rear) for 144 kW combined output
- Torque: 468 Nm combined
- Range: 315 km (NEDC) on a single charge
- Towing capacity: 2,000 kg braked
- Payload: Approximately 715 kg
- Charging: DC fast charging from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 30 minutes; AC home charging from 10 to 100 per cent in approximately 6.5 hours
The HiLux BEV uses the same proven ladder-frame chassis as the rest of the ninth-generation HiLux range, with the battery integrated underneath. Toyota has positioned it specifically for back-to-base fleet duty, with mining, construction, government, and agricultural buyers in mind. A 12-month BHP trial reported no downtime under extreme heat, dust, and humidity, which speaks to the durability built into the platform.
A complimentary 7 kW home wallbox charger is included for buyers financing through a novated lease.
LDV eT60
- Price: From around $90,000 drive-away
Available: On sale now
The LDV eT60 was Australia's first electric ute when it launched in 2023. It's a single-cab pickup with rear-wheel drive only, an 88.5 kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 330 km. Towing capacity sits at 2,500 kg, slightly ahead of the HiLux BEV. The eT60 has struggled to find favour with private and fleet buyers due to its high price relative to range and capability, and its rear-wheel-drive layout limits off-road use.
KGM Musso EV
- Price: From $60,000 drive-away
Available: Now
The KGM Musso EV (formerly SsangYong) is one of the more affordable electric utes on sale. It's built on a unibody (passenger car) platform rather than a traditional ladder-frame, making it more of an urban lifestyle ute than a workhorse. Available in RWD and AWD with up to 430 km of range and 1,800 kg of braked towing capacity. The Musso EV is better suited to private buyers and light commercial use than serious off-road or heavy-duty applications.
LDV eTerron 9
- Price: TBC
Available: Expected late 2026
A larger, more capable electric ute from LDV, the eTerron 9 is expected to launch in Australia with dual-motor AWD, up to 3,500 kg braked towing capacity, and significantly improved range over the eT60. Pricing and final specs are yet to be confirmed.
MG U9 EV
- Price: TBC
Available: Expected 2026
MG has confirmed a fully electric version of its new U9 ute for Australia, following the launch of the diesel version. Specifications and pricing are yet to be announced.
Isuzu D-Max EV
- Price: TBC
Available: Expected 2026/2027
Isuzu has confirmed an electric version of the D-Max is in development for global markets including Australia. Timing and pricing remain to be confirmed.
Plug-In Hybrid Utes (For Comparison)
While not fully electric, these PHEV utes are often cross-shopped with battery-electric models. They run on petrol with electric motor assistance and a smaller battery that can be plugged in for short-range electric driving.
- Ford Ranger PHEV: From $71,990 to $86,990 plus on-road costs
- BYD Shark 6 PHEV: From $57,900 plus on-road costs
- GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV: From $61,490 drive-away
PHEV utes offer the best of both worlds for buyers who tow regularly or travel long distances, since the petrol engine eliminates range anxiety. However, they're heavier and more complex than diesel utes and don't deliver the lowest possible emissions of a pure BEV.
How The Toyota HiLux BEV Compares
Here's a direct comparison between the Toyota HiLux BEV and its closest electric ute competitors:
|
Spec
|
Toyota HiLux BEV
|
LDV eT60
|
KGM Musso EV
|
|
Starting price
|
$74,990
|
~$90,000
|
$60,000
|
|
Battery
|
59.2 kWh
|
88.5 kWh
|
TBC
|
|
Range
|
315 km (NEDC)
|
330 km (WLTP)
|
Up to 430 km
|
|
Drivetrain
|
Dual-motor AWD
|
RWD
|
RWD/AWD
|
|
Power
|
144 kW combined
|
130 kW
|
TBC
|
|
Braked towing
|
2,000 kg
|
2,500 kg
|
1,800 kg
|
|
Platform
|
Ladder-frame
|
Ladder-frame
|
Unibody
|
|
Body styles
|
Dual cab
|
Single cab
|
Dual cab
|
Where the HiLux BEV wins:
- Dual-motor all-wheel drive (most capable for off-road and worksite use)
- Same ladder-frame chassis as the rest of the HiLux range (genuine workhorse credentials)
- Toyota's dealer network, parts availability, and reliability reputation
- BHP-tested durability under extreme conditions
- Backed by Toyota's five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty plus a 10-year battery warranty
- Dual-cab body style suits both work and family use
Where rivals push harder:
- The KGM Musso EV is significantly cheaper for lifestyle buyers
- The LDV eT60 offers slightly more towing capacity
- A KGM Musso EV (when AWD) and the future eTerron 9 may offer longer ranges
- PHEV alternatives offer fewer range constraints for high-kilometre users
For fleet operators and businesses that need a proven, dependable electric ute with the durability of a traditional HiLux, the BEV is the strongest option in the market. For private buyers focused on price, the Musso EV undercuts it. For maximum towing or off-road touring, a diesel or PHEV remains the smarter choice today.
Is The Toyota HiLux BEV Right For You?
The HiLux BEV is purpose-built for a specific kind of user, and that's worth being clear about.
The HiLux BEV is a great fit if:
- You operate a back-to-base fleet (mining, construction, government, council, agriculture)
- Your daily driving falls within the 315 km range with predictable depot charging overnight
- You need a tough, ladder-frame work ute with proven Toyota durability
- You want to reduce fleet running costs and emissions
- You value Toyota's dealer support across regional Australia
A diesel or PHEV HiLux might suit you better if:
- You regularly tow heavy loads above 2,000 kg
- You travel long distances between charging opportunities
- You drive in remote areas without reliable charging infrastructure
- You need maximum payload capacity
- Your work involves frequent long-haul or interstate driving
The full 2026 Toyota HiLux range also includes the proven 2.8-litre turbo-diesel with optional 48V V-Active mild-hybrid technology, which remains the more flexible choice for most owner-operators in 2026.
What's Next For Electric Utes In Australia?
The electric ute market is set to expand significantly through 2026 and 2027. Toyota's own multi-pathway strategy includes a hydrogen fuel cell HiLux FCEV in 2028, while LDV, MG, Isuzu, and others are all developing battery-electric utes for Australian release.
For now, the segment remains small but is finally moving past pilot-program territory. The HiLux BEV's arrival from one of Australia's most trusted brands gives fleet operators a credible electric ute option backed by national dealer support, something the early entrants couldn't match.
Explore The 2026 Toyota HiLux Range At Parramatta Toyota
The Toyota HiLux BEV arrives in Australia from Q2 2026, joining the comprehensive 2026 HiLux lineup of diesel and diesel mild-hybrid variants. Parramatta Toyota has the full HiLux range available to explore, with experienced staff who can walk you through the fleet incentives, charging considerations, and total cost of ownership comparisons that come with choosing electric. Whether you're outfitting a fleet, replacing an existing diesel, or making the switch to electric for the first time, the team can help you find the right HiLux for the job.
Disclaimer: Pricing and specifications are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change without notice. Please contact Parramatta Toyota for the most up-to-date information.
