Why the MG U9 Could Be the First Electric Dual Cab Ute Aussie Buyers Will Take Seriously

Key Takeaways

• MG U9 EV expected late 2024 with revised volume targets
• Dual motors deliver 325 kW and 430 km WLTP range
• Tow rating matches diesel U9 at 3,500 kg, unprecedented for Aussie electric utes
• Pricing likely above $60,990 AUD (~$40,000 USD) diesel model
• EV market share hit 19.9% in Australia, boosting ute electrification prospects

Pulse Analysis

Australia’s electric‑vehicle market has surged to a record 19.9 % of new‑car sales, a shift that is now spilling into the traditionally diesel‑dominated ute segment. Consumer sentiment is softening on the notion that a work vehicle must run on fossil fuel, and MG’s marketing chief Dimitri Andreatidis says the brand is recalibrating its forecasts to capture this emerging demand. By positioning the U9 as a genuine alternative rather than a niche novelty, MG aims to tap a growing pool of buyers who previously dismissed EVs outright.

The U9’s technical credentials set it apart from earlier electric utes. Its twin‑motor layout produces 325 kW (about 435 hp) and drives a 102 kWh pack that delivers a WLTP‑tested 430 km (267 mi) on a single charge—nearly double the range projected for the upcoming Toyota Hilux BEV and ahead of the KGM Musso EV’s 380‑420 km. Crucially, the U9 retains the diesel model’s 3,500 kg tow rating and offers a 685 kg payload, specifications that have been missing from Australian electric utes to date.

Despite its promise, the U9 faces hurdles. Range anxiety and the need for robust charging infrastructure remain concerns for tradespeople who travel long distances or tow heavy loads. Pricing, likely positioned above the AUD 60,990 diesel U9 (≈ USD 40,000), will test price‑sensitivity in a market where diesel utes are still cost‑effective. If MG can balance performance, practicality, and price, the U9 could catalyze broader industry investment in electric utility vehicles, prompting rivals such as Ford, Toyota and emerging Chinese brands to accelerate their own electric ute rollouts.