About Author
Charlotte Matthews
I research and write blogs on what’s happening in the EV-world.
Demand for electric vehicles continues to grow in the UK, not just for cars and vans, but for larger, more capable vehicles. For fleet managers, rural drivers, and trade professionals, the idea of a zero-emission pick-up truck is a compelling one.
Yet despite this rising interest, the electric pickup truck UK market remains limited. Unlike the electric van sector, which has seen rapid development, electric pick-ups have been slower to arrive, especially in right-hand-drive markets.
So, what electric pick-up options actually exist in the UK? Which models are on the way, and what’s stopping others from crossing the border?
Let’s take a closer look.
Electric Pickup Trucks Available in the UK (Now or Soon)
While the options are still few, there are some notable entries available, and more are starting to appear on the horizon.
Maxus T90EV
The Maxus T90EV is currently the only fully electric pick-up truck officially on sale in the UK. Built by Chinese manufacturer SAIC, it offers a practical and road-legal option for light-duty commercial use.
- Type: Fully electric
- Range: 220 miles (WLTP)
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive only
- Payload: 1,050kg
- Towing: Limited, no official capacity
- Use: Ideal for urban and suburban fleets, clean air zone access, and short- to mid-range journeys
- Limitations: No all-wheel-drive (AWD), limited off-road capability
- Price: £34,995 (might be eligible for the upcoming EV grant!)
For organisations operating mostly in cities or within short-range rural routes, the T90EV provides an immediate, road-ready option, even if it’s not a full utility replacement for more demanding environments.
Looking to hop into a Maxus T90EV? We can provide this via salary sacrifice (no VAT reclaim)! Get in touch…
BYD Shark 6 (Plug-in Hybrid, Likely 2025)
BYD has become a major name in the UK EV market thanks to popular models like the BYD Atto 3 and Dolphin. Now, the company is preparing to enter the utility space with the BYD Shark 6, a rugged plug-in hybrid electric pick-up.
- Type: Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
- Electric range: 100km (62 miles)
- Drive: Dual-motor AWD
- Status: Not officially confirmed for the UK, but strongly expected in 2025
- Built on: BYD’s DMO platform, developed for off-road and utility use
- Strengths: High off-road capability, electric-only driving for short trips, range-extending petrol engine
The Shark 6 could hit the sweet spot for businesses that need all-terrain performance without the running costs and emissions of a diesel truck. It offers a practical hybrid bridge while the fully electric pick-up market matures.
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Electric Pick-Up Trucks Promised But Not Yet Delivered
Some electric pick-ups have been widely promoted but are yet to officially land in the UK. I wonder if you can guess them…
Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T is a fully electric adventure pick-up launched in the US to great acclaim. However, it remains out of reach for British drivers.
- Type: Fully electric
- Status: Not available in the UK
- RHD version: Not planned
- Challenge: Very large footprint, left-hand drive (LHD) only, built for the US market
- Import status: Privately imported in small numbers
While technically impressive and capable, the R1T is too large for most UK roads, and lacks manufacturer support or service infrastructure here.
Radar RD6
The Radar RD6, built by Geely (the parent company of Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus), is a promising mid-size electric pick-up that’s starting to turn heads.
- Type: Fully electric
- Range: Up to 300 miles
- Drive: RWD and AWD options
- Status: Sold in China, starting to appear in parts of Europe
- UK status: No right-hand-drive (RHD) version yet, no official distributor
If production begins, the RD6 could be a serious alternative to the Maxus T90EV, offering more range, better tech, and broader use.
Models Available Abroad, But Not in the UK
Several electric pick-up trucks are in production elsewhere, but unlikely to come to the UK any time soon:
- Ford F-150 Lightning: Popular in the US, but too large and left hand drive only
- Chevrolet Silverado EV: Built for North America, no UK plans
- Tesla Cybertruck: No RHD version planned; too large and impractical for UK roads
- GWM Shanhai Cannon EV: Sold in China, not announced for Europe
These models highlight the US-centric design of many EV pick-ups, large, heavy, and focused on markets where bigger vehicles are the norm.
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Why Are Electric Pick-Up Trucks Struggling in the UK?
Despite growing demand, electric pick-ups face some real challenges in reaching the UK market. Here’s why many models haven’t made the leap:
1. Size Constraints
Most EV pick-ups are designed for US and Australian roads, not UK streets. They’re often too wide or too long for car parks, driveways, or narrow lanes, making them impractical for British buyers.
2. No Right-Hand-Drive Versions
Many are LHD only, and producing a RHD version isn’t always viable for low-volume sales. Without RHD, these vehicles simply can’t be sold or insured for road use in the UK. Unless, of course, you try to import one.
3. Battery Weight and Payload Limits
Heavy batteries push vehicles over the 3.5-tonne gross weight limit, which restricts their usability without a special licence. This also reduces the amount of load or towing capacity they can offer while remaining legal.
4. Lack of Purpose-Built Platforms
Pick-ups need ladder-frame platforms and high ground clearance, which are harder to electrify than unibody cars or vans. As a result, many EV pick-ups make compromises that reduce their appeal.
5. Import and Support Challenges
Privately importing an EV pick-up from the US or China is expensive. There’s often no warranty, servicing network, or spare parts support, making them risky for commercial buyers or fleets.
Why the Maxus T90EV and BYD Shark 6 Matter
While the market remains limited, vehicles like the Maxus T90EV and BYD Shark 6 are important early steps.
- The T90EV is already here, offering a basic but usable all-electric pick-up for lighter duties.
- The Shark 6, if launched, will offer hybrid flexibility with proper off-road capability, a solid middle ground while waiting for more full EV options.
Both models show that manufacturers are beginning to understand what UK drivers actually need: mid-size, RHD, efficient, and legal for UK roads.
Although the Maxus T90EV isn’t current;y available on our quote engine, other Maxus vehicles (like the 7-seater Mifa 9 with 323 miles range) are! Why not have a browse?
Final Thoughts: The Road Ahead for Electric Pickup Trucks in the UK
The electric pickup truck UK market is still in its early phase, but momentum is building. While global brands focus on oversized models for US markets, UK buyers are looking for smarter, more compact, and road-legal alternatives.
Models like the Maxus T90EV and BYD Shark 6 provide a strong foundation. As soon as more RHD electric pick-ups like the Radar RD6 or INEOS Fusilier become available, the segment could grow quickly.
For now, the future is hybrid and transitional, but it’s coming.
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FAQs
What electric pickup trucks are available in the UK?
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