10 Chinese Electric Trucks That Might Actually Compete With American Pickups

China is undoubtedly one of the fastest-growing EV markets globally, thanks to the Chinese government’s efforts to promote home-grown brands under the ‘Made in China 2025’ industrial master plan. With China statistically projected to generate the highest revenue in the EV market in 2024, it’s unsurprising that Chinese automakers are churning out more EV numbers than the U.S.

Take the pickup truck segment, for example, which has been primarily dominated by American staples for decades. As competition in the EV pickup truck landscape gradually heats up, Chinese brands like SAIC, Geely, JMC, GWM, and LDV are gearing up to claim more dominant positions on an international scale. Backed by government subsidies, strong policy support, and a robust infrastructure, Chinese electric trucks might actually compete with American pickups, and here are the 10 most competent ones.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites.

1 LDV eT60

Oceania’s First-Ever Electric Ute

Derived from its dual-cab ICE cousin, the T60 Max Pro, the electric LDV eT60 pickup truck is SAIC Motor’s venture into the land down under. You would have thought brands like Tesla and Ford would be the first to offer an EV truck in Oceania, but the budget-focused LDV got the jump on them with the AUD 62,460 eT60.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from LDV)

Despite falling behind most of its segment rivals in terms of performance, the LDV eT60 offers a reasonably competitive range per charge, almost on par with the standard-range Ford F-150 Lightning. The Rivian R1T, Ford F150 Lightning, and Radar RD6 are earmarked for an Oceania and Asia arrival, but the eT60 is set to have a foothold on the market for a while.

Pros

• The LDV eT60 could undercut American models with a lower base price.
• Available with both Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) charging.
• DC charging takes the eT60 from 20 percent to 80 percent in 45 minutes.

Cons

• The towing and payload capacities are disappointing for an EV truck.
• The LDV eT60 lacks a frunk for extra storage.
• The eT60 fails to offer several key driver assist features.

2 Changan Qiyuan CD701

Pickup And SUV In One Package

There have been some amazing EV concepts unveiled in recent mobility shows, but the Qiyuan CD701 unveiled in September 2023 is quite interesting. Slated for mass production in 2024, Changan presented a prototype capable of transforming from a pickup truck to an SUV. The five-seat electric truck/SUV sits on the Changan’s SDA smart electric vehicle platform and features a retractable glass roof panel that slides upward to create a cargo bed.

Changan is yet to release detailed performance specifications, but we now know that the upcoming Qiyuan CD701 measures 196.9 inches (5,000 mm) long, 77.6 inches (1,970 mm) wide, and 64.2 inches (1,630 mm) tall, with 122 inches (3,100 mm) wheelbase. While most of the rivals in the electric truck segment boast utilitarian qualities for work, Changan will likely shift its focus on the luxury aspect to accommodate activities like glamping.

Pros

• The intriguing two-in-one design makes the Qiyuan CD701 a versatile EV.
• The electric truck will seek to satisfy the luxury niche within the segment.
• The first-ever car to feature ‘Vehicle Satellite Communication.’

Cons

• Changan plans to initially offer the Qiyuan CD701 solely for the Chinese Domestic Market.
• The sloping roofline could prove an impediment to the rear storage space.
• The Qiyuan CD701 boasts fewer utilitarian qualities than its segment rivals.

3 JAC T9 Hunter EV

Utilizing The Rivian R1T As A Benchmark

Like most pickup truck automakers in China, JAC plans to unleash a comprehensive attack on the electric truck segment with two all-new BEV versions of the T9. Official JAC Motors press releases confirm that the electric trucks include a standard Hunter dual-cab in 2024 and a bigger as-yet-unnamed EV as soon as 2025.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from JAC)

JAC chose the game-changing Rivian R1T as the benchmark for its upcoming electric truck, suggesting the possibility of a modular skateboard architecture as part of its expansion plan. To this end, JAC could follow the LDV eT60 by putting down roots in Asia and the Down Under before mainstream American brands attempt to disrupt the status quo.

Pros

• The Rivian R1T specs are an impressive benchmark to help the T9 Hunter EV beat rivals.
• The $42,000 base price could dramatically undercut most of the prohibitively expensive competition.
• The T9 Hunter EV could act as a flagship to promote more capable future EVs.

Cons

• Projected towing and payload capabilities are underwhelming.
• The projected range estimate does very little to address range anxiety.

4 GWM Poer EV

One Of The Brutish-looking Chinese EV Pickups

The Poer electric truck is one of nine models that Great Wall Motors plans to roll out by 2025, as part of its transformation and strategic growth plan to become a global mobility tech company. Designed as a spin-off of the standard P Series pickup range, the gorgeous Poer EV is arguably the most formidable rival to ICE heavyweights like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Great Wall Motors)

Although the Poer electric truck lacks the same chest-thumping performance specs as models like the Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning, GWM plans to make it up in terms of its practicality, off-road capability, reliability, and intelligent connectivity. Thanks to GWM’s expansion plan, the Poer EV is poised to carve out a reasonable share of the Asia and Oceania market before American electric trucks come flooding.

Pros

• The electric truck boasts better off-road practicality than other Chinese offerings.
• The Poer EV offers a competitive driving range compared to other Chinese rivals.
• The EV truck features a global first co-axial integrated electronic drive bridge.

Cons

• The GWM Poer EV offers very limited frunk storage space.
• The performance specs pale in comparison to its American rivals.

5 Foton Tunland EV

One Of The Longest-range Chinese EV Pickups

Foton designed the Tunland EV similar to the regular Tunland Yutu double-cab pickup truck, utilizing the same underpinnings as the contemporary ICE model. To distinguish the two pickup trucks, Foton added two blue trim strips on the front grille of the EV model to emphasize its pure electric pedigree.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Foton Motors)

Foton is yet to provide full details about equipment, but so far we know that the Tunland EV boasts three drive modes, cruise control, reversing camera and sensor, and electronic parking control. Considering Foton Motors is planning a second EV-centered plant in Mexico, the Tunland EV will seek to dominate not only the Asian market but also in North, Central, and South America.

Pros

• The Foton Tunland EV’s $52,000 base price is lower than most US electric trucks.
• Foton built the Tunland EV to adapt to any terrain.
• Foton Tunland EV boasts competitive towing and payload capacities.

Cons

• Peak power for the Foton Tunland EV is uninspiring.
• The Foton Tunland EV has smaller dimensions than its American competition.
• Foton did not design a frunk for the Tunland EV.

6 SAIC Maxus T90 EV

First 100-Percent Electric Truck In The UK

Surprisingly, there were no electric truck options available for purchase across the pond until the arrival of the Chinese-made Maxus T90 EV pickup truck. The Maxus T90 EV’s design language is visually sporty yet aggressive, while still retaining most of the traditional pickup details of the ICE-powered T90.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Maxus)

The Maxus T90 EV specs might seem under par when stacked against rivals like the Rivian R1T, Hummer Electric Truck, and Tesla Cybertruck, but it ranks superior to most of its Chinese competition. SAIC stole a march on the rest of the market and gained a distinct advantage before American rivals could make inroads in the UK and vast sections of the European market.

Pros

• The T90 EV design allows owners to combine work and pleasure.
• The driving range is reliable enough to get the work done.
• The Maxus T90 EV offers 12V and 220V power outlets.

Cons

• Towing capacity is not as high as with the diesel variant.
• SAIC offers the Maxus T90 EV in one trim, nominally called Elite.
• The lack of 4WD could be a deal-breaker for some.

7 QingLing Isuzu Taga EV

One Of The Best Commercial E-Pickups

With Isuzu’s partial stake in QingLing, the Chinese automaker has managed to make its mark in the commercial sector with class-leading trucks and pickups. In recent years, the partnership has utilized technology heavily based on the Isuzu D-Max to produce one of the best commercial electric pickups on the market, the Taga EV.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from QingLing)

The performance specs for the QingLing Isuzu Taga EV may not be on par with segment rivals like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Chevrolet Silverado, but it’s enough to drive and haul on urban or intercity roads.

Pros

• The competitive driving range surpasses premium models like the Ford F-150 Lightning.
• The $40,000 MSRP makes the QingLing Isuzu Taga EV a budget-friendly alternative.
• The minimalist design makes the QingLing Isuzu Taga EV an attractive work truck.

Cons

• The driving range is well below expectations compared to most of its competition.
• The Lordstown Endurance is significantly more expensive than rivals like the F-150 Lightning.
• Lacks comprehensive convenience features and tech given the price.

8 JMC Vigus EV

One Of The Most Efficient Chinese EV Trucks

Jiangling Motors Corp boasts a diversified portfolio of commercial EVs, including the Vigus EV pickup truck, Touring EV van, and Conquer EV truck. Offered in just one trim option, the Vigus EV pickup retains most of the design cues from its ICE-powered stablemate, the Vigus Pro double-cab pickup.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from JMC)

Interestingly, maintaining the speed below 25 mph extends the Vigus EV’s range by an extra 111 miles to a respectable 317 miles, making it one of the most efficient Chinese electric trucks on the market. Unlike the U.S.-made electric trucks, the JMC Vigus EV has made its debut in the Central and South American markets, in addition to its growing popularity in the Asian market.

Pros

• The $51,200 base price for the Vigus EV undercuts most US-made rivals in the segment.
• The Vigus EV offers superior driving range at moderate city speeds.
• The unassuming ICE-inspired design makes it attractive to commercial companies.

Cons

• The Vigus Ev doesn’t offer frunk storage.
• JMC did not equip the Vigus EV with the latest in driver assistance features.
• The in-car technology for the Vigus EV leaves a lot to be desired.

9 Dongfeng Rich 6 EV

The Product Of A Long-Standing Partnership

Dongfeng Motor and Nissan have partnered for over two decades, sharing platforms, chassis, technology, and parts, so it’s unsurprising that the Rich 6 EV looks like something from Nissan’s production lines. Thanks to Nissan’s vast experience in making world-class pickup trucks and Dongfeng’s promising venture into EV battery tech, the Rich 6 EV gets the best of both.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Dongfeng Motor)

The performance numbers are on a lower scale compared to its American rivals, but Dongfeng designed the Rich 6 EV as a workhorse that delivers on what is expected from a pickup truck. Having already made inroads in the South American market and cemented its presence across Asia and Europe, the budget-friendly pricing of the Rich 6 EV could prove advantageous when the high-end competition from Ford, Rivian, Tesla, and Chevrolet arrives.

Pros

• The $40,000 base price makes it one of the cheapest electric trucks on the market.
• Dongfeng offers two trim options for the Rich 6 EV; the 350 and 450.
• Nissan’s pedigree ensures that the Rich 6 EV boasts rock-solid reliability and durability.

Cons

• The Rich 6 EV doesn’t come with frunk storage space.
• The top speed is below 65mph, much slower than any US-made electric truck.
• The poorly protected underside exposes the electric motor and voltage cables to damage.

10 Geely Radar RD6

Best-Priced Chinese Electric Pickup Truck

Soon after launching a new outdoor lifestyle EV brand called Radar Auto, Geely is accelerating its maiden journey down this path with its first model; the Radar RD6 electric pickup truck. Built on Geely Holdings’ pure electric Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), the RD6 boasts technologically advanced underpinnings that allow for single and dual motor options.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Geely)

Unlike most of the American-made rivals like the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning, the RD6 will go to market in more than a dozen overseas countries from January 2024, following its launch in China (2022) and Southeast Asia (2023). Considering the global market has a fast-growing demand for pickups, the mid-size RD6 is poised to carve out a king’s portion of the market share.

Pros

• The $25,000 base price is the best value for money in the segment.
• Radar offers the RD6 with three different battery sizes.
• The RD6 boasts a 70-liter frunk with external plug sockets inclusive.
• There are six 2,000-watt power outlets on the RD6 bed wall.

Cons

• The ground clearance comes up a little short for the RD6 to go off-road.
• The payload capacity is sub-par compared to numerous rivals in the segment.