Maxus unveils electric pickup with all-wheel drive

Maxus has unveiled a fully electric pickup – the Maxus eTerron 9 – at IAA Transportation in Hanover, Germany.

Maxus, which is part of the SAIC Group, says the new eTerron 9 marks the beginning of a model offensive over the next few years.

The plug-in pickup relies on two electric motors: the two permanent magnet synchronous motors develop 125kW/170hp at the front and 200kW/272hp at the rear axle, resulting in a system output of 325 kW/442hp.

The so-called All-Terrain System (ATS) comprises six preset driving modes, ranging from “Normal” to “Mud” and “Sand”.

In addition, customers can individually configure a user-defined mode to adapt the steering, engine power and the response of the stability control, as well as the energy recovery and the height of the standard air suspension, to their personal preferences.

More than 400 different combinations are possible, says Maxus.

The energy required for the electric drive is supplied by a 102kWh high-voltage battery, which can be charged from 20 to 80% in around 40 minutes with up to 115kW at fast-charging stations.

The lithium iron phosphate battery was designed according to the specially developed Tetris construction method in a nine-cell protective frame, which distributes the forces horizontally and vertically. This, says Maxus, minimises space requirements and increases capacity and safety.

Another new feature is the nine-channel ventilation system, which contributes to optimum battery temperature and guarantees maximum performance under all conditions.

Together with efficient energy recovery, Maxus says that thermal management improves the range in winter by 18% compared to conventional electric cars.

The standard range of the eTerron 9 is up to 430 kilometres (267 miles) per battery charge (WLTP combined). It can also tow up to 3.5 tonnes.

Furthermore, the energy stored in the battery supplies external devices with power. In addition to several 2.2kW sockets in the front trunk and on the pickup bed, there is also an external 6.6kW connection.

The 5.50 metres long vehicle, meanwhile, offers a maximum payload of 620kg. If longer objects need to be transported, the rear wall of the driver's cab can be lowered at the touch of a button. This creates a loading area up to 2.40 metres long. In addition, there is a 236-liter “frunk” (front trunk) which accommodates a two-seat space.

The 20 storage compartments distributed throughout the vehicle are also practical for everyday use, while the hood and tailgate can be opened electrically.

Maxus says that the multi-link rear suspension with air suspension reduces the rolling and pitching movements of the vehicle.

The vehicle height, which can be adjusted using the air suspension, also has an effect on air resistance and therefore on range.

In Easy Load mode, the loading area can be lowered by 60 millimetres, which makes loading and unloading easier.

Further information on the pickup, including prices and details of the market launch in the individual markets, will be announced at a later date.