If the sales charts are any measure, Australians love a ute1 – and soon, the more sustainably minded will be able to drive an electric ute to the worksite, campground or boat ramp.2
Until recently, it’s been easy to wonder if there are any electric utes in Australia. As of February 2025, there was just one fully electric ute available locally – the Chinese-built LDV eT60.3 While it offers the same sustainability advantages of an electric car, the eT60’s $92,990 drive-away price4 – approximately twice that of the diesel model – has made it more of a niche affair. Reviewers have also found its 330km range and 1,000kg towing capacity on the lower side,3 given that best-selling turbodiesel utes such as the Ford Ranger tow up to 3.5 tonnes (braked).5
With many more electric ute models slated to be on their way – up to 21 over the next few years, according to CarSales2, the ute is well placed to become the next big EV segment. There are too many to list here, but a slew will come from China-based manufacturers, with fully electric versions of the JAC T9 and GWM Cannon and another LDV electric ute, the eTerron 9 (arriving early 2025).3 BYD electric utes are expected, as well as a Ford electric ute – a Ranger – and even a Kia electric ute, the Tasman. Electric models of established utes such as the Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-MAX are also speculated to be on the list.2
Ahead of this electric ute stampede, we look at whether one could be right for you – and the car insurance considerations you might want to keep in mind when it comes to electric ute ownership.
What to consider when choosing an electric ute
Like the sound of a fully electric, more sustainably-minded electric ute? Here are six things to keep in mind while making your decision.
1. Your lifestyle
While electric vehicles boast plenty of advantages over a traditional combustion equivalent – including no tailpipe emissions, quieter and smoother operation and more responsive acceleration6 – an electric ute might not be for everyone, says Stephen Ottley, motoring journalist and Editor of TorqueCafe.com.au.
“An electric ute couldn’t support the exact same lifestyle as a turbodiesel one, at least not yet,” says Ottley. That’s because towing ability and payload might be impacted, he adds, and there aren’t currently many EV chargers in remote off-road locations.
Unlike a traditional turbodiesel ute, owning an electric ute and taking it away for a weekend trip will take some planning – much like it would for an electric car, says Ottley.
“If you can recharge your electric vehicle at home, you’ll be pulling out of the driveway with a full tank of ‘fuel’ every day,” he says. “That’s great if you’re just going to work and back. But if you’re doing a road trip, you’ll want to check if there are public DC fast chargers along the way, and ideally an AC charger at your destination.”
2. Where you’ll charge it
Ideally, you’d charge your EV ute at home using off-peak electricity – or better still, the sun, says Ottley. “The dream EV set-up in Australia at present is recharging your car with a home solar set-up,” he says. “A system like that could potentially save you thousands in fuel costs in the long run, and is one of the lowest-emission forms of motoring currently available.”
Ottley cautions not to rely too much on public recharging infrastructure just yet. “The infrastructure continues to lag behind EV uptake,” he says. “That means you could arrive at a charger and find it occupied or, worse, out-of-order. Compared to charging at home, it can be pricey to recharge an EV at a public charger, as well.”
3. Range
Many EV models offer multiple battery sizes with varying range capabilities. Carefully consider how you’ll use your EV and ask yourself if you really need a big battery pack, says Ottley. “Most people only commute 40km or so each day,” he says. “You’d only want a bigger battery if you do a lot of big trips, intend to tow, or can’t charge at home.”
4. Towing capacity
In needing to accommodate a large battery pack, electric utes are generally much heavier than combustion models. Check the maximum towing capacity and gross vehicle mass (GVM), says Ottley. “If you’re intending to attach a large, 3.5-tonne boat and take a few mates on a fishing trip far from the city, the electric ute, at this stage, might not be for you,” he says.
5. Payload
The best turbodiesel work utes can carry up to a tonne in the tray, says Ottley – but this might not be the case for an electric equivalent. “If you need to carry heavy items, or a tray full of dirt, on a regular basis, make sure to check the maximum rated payload of the tray of any electric ute,” he advises.
6. Cost of ownership
Electric ute models are expected to be pricier than hybrid or conventional combustion versions, says Ottley, and you should crunch the numbers to make sure it’s the right financial decision for you. “That includes warranty and servicing costs, which vary a lot between manufacturers,” he says.
“Also keep in mind depreciation. Whatever the bottom line, however, some people may put a great value on potentially reducing their personal carbon emissions by driving an electric vehicle.”
Hybrid utes – a worthy alternative?
A hybrid ute, such as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), might better suit your lifestyle if you are towing that big boat to the remote fishing spot; intend to venture to far-flung, off-road places; or simply like the idea of jumping in your ute and driving interstate at a moment’s notice.
“A plug-in hybrid gives you the best of both the EV and combustion worlds,” says Ottley. “The BYD Shark plug-in hybrid, for example, will offer around 100km of electric-only range for the weekly commute, but can do practically everything else a diesel ute can when required.”
Are electric utes eligible for any government rebates?
While most of the more generous state-based EV subsidies have ended, electric vehicles, including utes, continue to be eligible for the federal government’s Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption.7 That means you can take home an EV on a novated lease, with the lease repayments and running costs coming from your pretax salary, potentially reducing your payable tax by thousands of dollars annually.8 The FBT exemption only applies to EVs up to the value of the current Luxury Car Tax threshold for “Fuel Efficient Vehicles”, which is $91,387 for FY24/25.9
Buying an electric ute – insurance considerations
Much like insurance for an electric car, you can get Comprehensive, Third Party Fire & Theft and Third Party Property Only cover for an electric ute,10 says Marni Jackson, Youi’s Head of Product for Vehicle, Lifestyle and Leisure.
“Under our Comprehensive car insurance, Youi Roadside Assistance is included and if your EV battery runs out of charge, we’ll provide a tow to the nearest charging station or place of safety, 24-7,” says Jackson.11
“Something else to keep in mind if you’re buying a ute is that you can also purchase optional cover12 for business items you might be keeping inside – such as tools and other work equipment.”13
If you intend to use your ute for a mix of business and personal use, you may wish to consider car insurance for your business vehicle. And if you do end up switching your ute to one powered purely by electrons – rather than petrol or diesel – consider starting a quote with Youi for an idea of your EV insurance costs and options.
Note: Information in this article is relevant as of February 2025 and by its nature will change over time. Check relevant vehicle manufacturer websites for price and specification updates if this information is important to you.
1 Source: CarsGuide – Australia’s best-selling car for 2024 revealed, January 2025
2 Source: CarSales – Which electric utes are coming to Australia – and when?, July 2024
3 Source: LDV Automotive – The all-electric eT60
4 Source: Drive – $50,000 off Australia's first electric ute: Price slashed!
5 Source: Ford Australia – Ranger
6 Source: NSW Government – Why buy an electric vehicle?
7 Source: Australian Taxation Office – Electric cars exemption
8 Source: Electric Vehicle Council – What is the FBT Exemption and how does it reduce the cost of an EV?
9 Source: Australian Taxation Office – Luxury car tax rate and thresholds
10 See the Car PDS for full details.
11 Youi Roadside Assist Available with Comprehensive policies only. Exclusions, limits and fees may apply. Cover not available within 24 hours of taking out or upgrading to Comprehensive cover. For more details, see the roadside assistance T&Cs and Car PDS.
12 An additional cost applies and is available with Comprehensive and Third Party Fire & Theft policies. For business items, additional restrictions apply. For more details, see the Car PDS.
13 Exclusions and limits apply. Covers damage to or loss of business items while stored in the car or unbraked trailer, and where there is also damage to the car or unbraked trailer as a result of an insured event. To be covered for theft, items must have been in a locked boot or lockable compartment which was permanently secured to the car; and the car was locked and there are visible signs of forced entry. For full details, see the Car PDS.
