The race to bring low-emission utes to Australia has just hit a thrilling stride! In the past month alone, a flurry of new models has arrived, each setting the bar higher for what the future of light commercial vehicles can look like. With new contenders from BYD, Kia, LDV, GWM, and Ford, the competition is fierce, the stakes are high, and the impact on fleet sustainability could be game-changing. We take a deep dive into these dynamic launches, comparing their features, styling cues, and unique propositions, while predicting which of these new models might lead the charge in the rapidly evolving ute market.
BYD Shark: Shaking Up the Hybrid Scene
BYD has made a splash with the new Shark, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that made its debut in style at a high-profile event in Broken Hill, New South Wales. Priced under $60,000, the Shark is positioned to appeal to both fleet buyers and eco-conscious consumers. With a 100-kilometre electric-only range, this PHEV offers an accessible option for businesses eager to reduce emissions while maintaining the flexibility of a hybrid vehicle. The Shark’s strong initial reception—selling out its first shipment of 2,000 units within a week—signals a keen interest from retail buyers, while fleet managers may wait to see how well this SUV-style ute handles the demands of heavy-duty work.
Kia Tasman: Designed to Dominate Fleet Needs
Kia has truly raised the stakes with the Tasman, an all-new ute that’s as versatile as it is ambitious. With configurations tailored for fleet versatility—single cab, dual cab, and cab chassis—the Tasman is setting a new standard for adaptability in the fleet market. While the current model offers a diesel engine, Kia has indicated plans to introduce hybrid and fully electric variants in future generations, making the Tasman a powerful contender with a clear road map for low-emission fleets. What sets it apart, though, is the thought put into fleet usability, placing it in direct competition with mainstays like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. Fleet buyers looking for a vehicle that adapts as fleet needs change could find the Tasman a breath of fresh air.
LDV eTerron 9: The Big, Bold Electric Contender
LDV’s eTerron 9 isn’t just a ute—it’s a statement! Revealed at Mobility Live event in October, the eTerron 9 breaks ground as one of the first fully electric, four-wheel-drive utes available in Australia. Packing a massive 102 kWh battery, this ute promises solid range and off-road capability. Its styling, reminiscent of the big, bold American trucks, is bound to turn heads, featuring a spacious front trunk (frunk) and a generous bed that’s perfect for large hauls. While it’s an exciting choice for private buyers and fleets alike, the real test will be its long-term durability under tough work conditions. However, as one of first fully electric utes on the scene, the eTerron 9 could appeal to forward-thinking fleets eager to lead the charge in green transformation.
GWM Cannon Alpha: Quiet Strength and Fleet-Focused Functionality
Though it launched with less fanfare, GWM’s Cannon Alpha is quietly establishing itself as a serious player in the low-emission ute arena. This plug-in hybrid offers a 110-kilometre electric-only range, already achieving a five-star ANCAP safety rating, which underscores GWM’s commitment to safety and quality. GWM’s recent investment in a local training centre demonstrates a strategic push to support Australian and New Zealand dealerships, ensuring fleet buyers have the maintenance support they need for long-term reliability. While the finer details on payload and towing are yet to be revealed, the Cannon Alpha’s off-road performance could make it a compelling choice for fleet buyers who want lower emissions without compromising rugged utility.
Ford Ranger PHEV: Power and Practicality on the Job Site
Ford’s Ranger PHEV debuted with a bang, featuring the innovative Pro Power Onboard system that provides in-vehicle power for tools, eliminating the need for external generators on job sites. This plug-in hybrid may have a shorter electric range at 45 kilometres, but Ford’s extensive research indicates it’s more than enough for most day-to-day tasks. Available initially in high-spec trims, the Ranger PHEV promises all the durability, towing capacity, and off-road prowess fleet managers have come to expect from the Ranger. With a history of successful partnerships with aftermarket suppliers, Ford is poised to adapt the Ranger PHEV to a wide range of fleet needs, making it a practical option for trades and fleet managers who want sustainable solutions without sacrificing power and reliability.
Styling Shake-Up: Kia Tasman’s Fresh Look Leads the Pack
One aspect of these new models that stands out is their exterior design. While the BYD Shark, LDV eTerron 9, and GWM Cannon Alpha echo the design cues of popular utes like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, Kia has chosen to go a different route. The Tasman’s sleek, forward-looking design suggests a new aesthetic direction that could define ute styling in the years ahead. With a modern, cohesive look that balances function with style, the Tasman signals Kia’s ambition to carve out a unique identity in the crowded ute market. This design innovation might resonate especially well with fleet buyers looking to project a fresh, forward-thinking image.
The Winners and Losers in Australia’s Evolving Ute Market
As the race to lower emissions in light commercial vehicles heats up, it’s clear that some manufacturers are better positioned than others. Kia and Ford stand out as potential leaders due to their fleet-focused designs and forward-looking features. Kia’s Tasman, with its wide range of configurations and bold design, is well-suited to attract fleet buyers seeking customisable, future-proof solutions. Ford’s Ranger PHEV, meanwhile, wins points for its worksite-friendly Pro Power Onboard feature, making it ideal for tradespeople and businesses with high power demands on the job.
BYD’s Shark and GWM’s Cannon Alpha also bring exciting innovations to the table, though they may face challenges in gaining widespread fleet adoption due to their market positioning. BYD’s strong retail appeal as an SUV-style ute could limit its utility for heavy-duty tasks, while GWM’s quieter entry might need more exposure to capture fleet interest. The LDV eTerron 9 stands out as a bold option for buyers ready to leap into a fully electric ute, though questions around its ruggedness for fleet use may narrow its appeal initially. For now, plug-in hybrids like the Ranger PHEV and Cannon Alpha may be the most versatile solutions as fleets transition to lower emissions over the next few years.
An Exciting Future for Low-Emission Utes
These recent launches mark a significant milestone in the journey toward sustainable light commercial vehicles. Each model brings its own unique strengths to the table, from the innovative hybrid features of the Ford Ranger and BYD Shark to the versatile configurations of the Kia Tasman and the electric-only boldness of the LDV eTerron 9. This new crop of utes shows that manufacturers are not only responding to the demand for low-emission vehicles but are also pushing the boundaries of design, functionality, and practicality.
The future looks bright, and with the growing array of options, fleet managers have more choice than ever in selecting vehicles that align with sustainability goals while meeting operational needs. Whether the Ford Ranger retains its crown or Kia’s Tasman ushers in a new era of ute design, one thing is certain: the next decade in Australia’s ute market will be one of innovation, competition, and, most importantly, progress toward a greener future for light commercial vehicles.
Ford announces Ranger Super-Duty – As a post script to this summary on the ute market, Ford has blown the market away with the announcement that they are planning to build a Ranger that will offer an estimated 4,500kg GVM and 4,500kg towing. This means fleets will be able to tow and carry a load with a ute.
