Drive with us: Maxus T90 EV pickup review

The UK’s first electric pick-up provides class and sustainability

Maxus are looking to steal the march on their competitors as they launch the UK’s first and only (at the time of writing) electric pick-up.

It combines a classy and practical cabin with electric efficiency – the T90 EV is a real pioneer in this sector.

Maxus claim it will travel up to 220 miles on a single charge and it comes with competitive charge times and a practical payload.

Electric pick-ups are nothing new in the global market and becoming increasingly popular in the US, but the T90 could be the vehicle that kickstarts the UK revolution.

Being one of one in the UK market, it has no natural like-for-like competitor yet. An electrified Ford Ranger is rumoured to be coming and the UK-bound Rivian R1T promises to give the T90 a run for its money in the coming years.

We’ve been behind the wheel of this T90 EV Elite 4x2 to find out just how good it is and this is how we got on.

What did we drive?

Model: T90 EV 88.5 kWh Elite 4X2

Bodystyle: Double cab pick up

Power: Electric (201hp)

Colour: Blanc White

Wheels: 17″ alloy wheels

OTR: From £49,950 (ex.VAT)

Price

Prices for the Maxus T90 EV start from £49,950 (exc VAT).

Electric vehicles have notoriously been more expensive initially than their ICE comparisons and sometimes these prices can be hard to look past. The T90 EV is priced similarly to the new Ford Ranger Raptor – a sign of the competition it is up against.

However, as a business van lease, the T90 will offer more savings with the ability to reclaim 100% of the VAT and benefit from reduced running costs if used purely for business purposes.

*Prices correct at the time of publication

Electric range & battery options

The T90 EV is powered by an 88.5kWh battery pack. Under the bonnet, it is the same battery system that has been utilised and proven throughout the wider SAIC group, including in popular MG vehicles.

As it is only currently available in a single spec, there is no option for a smaller or bigger battery pack yet, as there are with alternative electric Maxus models.

It promises to deliver a claimed range of 220 miles and can be charged at up to 80kW.

The T90 can be charged from 20-80% in around 45 minutes. If you’re at home using a 7kW, it will take around 12 hours to go from zero to 100%.

Design & interior

If you’re looking for a pick-up that offers some serious presence, the T90 EV ticks all the boxes. The combination of the quite simply huge front grille, impressive ground clearance and strong haunches result in stance and character that is guaranteed to turn heads.

The daytime running LED lights are reminiscent of the once popular Mitsubishi L200.

The quality of the interior space is beyond what you might stereotypically expect of a pick-up. The cabin feels like a space that has been given a lot of care and attention in its design.

Comfort levels throughout are high and there’s plenty of space if you do need to make use of the double cab.

Maxus have struck a nice balance between the T90 EV being comfortable and usable as a personal vehicle, but also robust enough to be a practical workhorse with a bit of style.

The power adjustable leather seats offer suitable support behind the wheel, and they’re finished with some intricate red stitching to provide some nice detail.

Head and legroom in the back is suitable for family journeys, with a fold-down armrest in the middle seat too.

Drive

It’s hard to believe a pick-up of this size could be so smooth to drive, but the instant torque allows for the slickest of getaways as you put your foot down.

The 201hp allows for nimble acceleration and a rigid suspension provides sufficient control on the move.

There’s no getting away from the fact this is one heck of a large pick-up and it does feel big to drive, but not in an overwhelming sense.

It’s a similar trait to what we experienced during our Ford Ranger review. The view ahead offers fantastic visibility, and the driving position is suitably raised. It gives you the perfect sense of the vehicle’s size, so it doesn’t feel daunting behind the wheel.

This was particularly helpful as we ventured onto narrower, industrial roads, which the T90 handled effortlessly.

This edition of the T90 EV is only a rear-wheel drive, but a new four-wheel drive edition is reportedly set to follow in 2024 – which should alleviate any concerns around towing or venturing off-road.

There is, what can only be described, as the ‘electric whine’ that we have become accustomed too with EVs as you pull away, but once you set off, it is a quiet, refined and relaxing drive.

Payload & practicality

The T90 EV comes with a payload of 1,000kg and a braked towing capacity of up to 1,500kg, meaning you’ll be able to pull along your family caravan with no fuss.

The 1,000kg payload could be viewed on the lower side but will be sufficient for most of your commercial needs. If you need more, a four-wheel drive variant – expected to be released in 2024 – is likely to increase this.

Onboard there is a 220V and 12V power outlets, so you’re never going to be left short of power opportunities.

The load bed space is practical at 1510mm long and 1485mm wide, there is plenty of usable space and handy tether points throughout.

The tailgate isn’t too heavy, so if you do plan on moving between sites or locations, it won’t be too cumbersome opening and closing it all day.

Technology

A 10.25-inch touchscreen sits in the heart of the dash. It isn’t the most expansive system, but everything is clearly displayed, well laid out and responsive to use.

Apple CarPlay and phone connectivity are available as standard. AM & FM radio come as standard, but DAB is not available without utilising your smartphone.

Manoeuvring a vehicle of this size is no mean feat and as such, Maxus have delivered a quality reversing camera. The quality of the display is fantastic and offers great clarity of all angles of the vehicle.

Model line highlights

Model driven: T90 EV 88.5kWh Elite 4X2

• 10.25-inch digital touch screen
• 220V power outlet
• ISOFIX+Toptether
• Reversing camera
• Rear parking sensor
• Rear window electric heating defrosting
• Rear fog lamp
• Polyurethane multi-functional steering wheel
• Artificial leather seat cover
• Front row seats – 6 way electronic adjustment
• Front row seats heating
• Halogen headlight with automatic induction
• Body-colour rear bumper
• Body-colour power rear view mirror
• Body-colour exterior handle
• Body-colour front bumper
• LED rear lamp
• LED daytime running light
• High-mounted stop light
• Painted bed liner
• Side step
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Stainless steel sports bar

Verdict

Being the first electric pick-up to launch in the UK market, the T90 EV sets an impressive benchmark for the rest of the industry to follow.

The quality and comfort of the interior space make this the perfect option for anybody looking for a practical commercial vehicle that can also meet the demands of a busy family lifestyle.

Pick-ups have been increasingly popular for that crossover and the T90 is no different. It offers a great blend of everyday practicality and payload potential, while still offering the creature comforts that will make this great to chuck (not literally) the kids in on the weekend for your next adventure.

There’s no doubt it comes with a prime, being one of one in the current market. However, a Maxus van lease deal helps you make it more affordable and cost-effective.

If this is how the electric pick-up class looks set to grow, it should be viewed with plenty of optimism.