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# Australian ute buyers are ‘against compromise’, not EVs
- URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-mg-u9-ev-electric-ute-without-compromise/
- Published: 2026-10-28T23:13:35.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-28T23:13:35.000Z
- Description: The launch of the MG U9 EV – one of the few electric utes in Australia – has prompted one of the brand’s executives to dismiss concerns about how it’ll be received.
- Author: Jordan Mulach
- Tags: News, 4x4 & Adventure, Electric

MG Australia is today opening the order books for the U9 EV, one of a handful of fully electric utes on sale locally, amid a rise in plug-in options for buyers.

Priced from $78,990 before on-road costs, the [MG U9 EV](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2026-mg-u9-ev-price-electric-ute/) joins a relatively small market of electric utes, with the car-based KGM Musso EV and Toyota’s HiLux BEV being the only two other current options – following the failure of the now-defunct LDV eT60.

It arrives amid a [boom in EV sales](https://torquecafe.com/australias-ev-sales-surge-isnt-dying-down/), driven by high fuel prices, with fully electric cars and SUVs recently accounting for nearly one-quarter of all monthly vehicle sales, out-selling petrol and diesel vehicles.

The landmark results have come roughly seven years after then-Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison declared the Labor party’s proposed EV policies [would “end the weekend”](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-10/federal-election-fact-check-electric-vehicle-tow-boat/11078464?ref=torquecafe.com), and that battery-powered vehicles “won’t tow your trailer”.

![MG U9 EV at a camp site](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/mg-u9-ev-launch-3.jpg)

MG U9 EV

According to MG Motor Australia marketing manager, Dimitri Andreatidis, the U9 EV is arriving at the right time, and with the right equipment to succeed as a ute and an electric vehicle.

“Electric vehicles have arrived in Australia, and with fuel prices putting pressure on household budgets, more families are looking at the benefits of electric driving,” Andreatidis said in a media release. 

“But lower running costs alone aren't enough. People need a vehicle that can handle everyday life and still be ready for a weekend away.

“Ute buyers have never been against electric. They've just been against compromise. The initial response to the MG U9 EV has been really encouraging, and we believe that's because it brings the capability and versatility people expect from a ute, with the benefits of an all-electric powertrain.

![MG U9 EV](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/mg-u9-ev-launch-2.jpg)

MG U9 EV

“The MGU9 EV gives customers another option to consider, combining the capability they need with lower running costs.”

Based on the same body-on-frame platform as the MG U9 turbo-diesel ute, the U9 EV is available in Australia in all-wheel drive guise only, with the rear-wheel drive version available overseas not picked for a local berth.

Its dual electric motors produce up to 325kW and 700Nm, enabling a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.8 seconds.

Supplied by a 102.2kWh LFP battery pack, MG says the U9 EV has a WLTP lab-tested driving range of 430km, while it can be charged at up to 115kW, bringing its state of charge up from 20 to 80 per cent in 42 minutes.

![MG U9 EV](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/mg-u9-ev-launch-1.jpg)

MG U9 EV

With a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, the U9 EV matches its turbo-diesel twin as well as almost every other turbo-diesel and plug-in hybrid ute on the market, while eclipsing the HiLux BEV’s 2000kg figure.

It also features a 685kg payload capacity, as well as 236 litres of additional storage capacity under the bonnet where the engine would normally sit.

Standard air suspension is also fitted, setting it apart from the De-dion rear leaf spring setup in the HiLux BEV, as well as the rear coils in the turbo-diesel U9.

It’ll do battle in the showrooms not only against its electric competitors, but also plug-in hybrid rivals, such as the GWM Cannon Hi4-T and Cannon Alpha Hi4-T, JAC Hunter, BYD Shark 6, and Ford Ranger Hybrid.