Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Utes in NZ: What You Can Buy in 2026

Updated 3 November 2026. For a long time diesel was the only real choice for a work ute. That has changed fast. There are now pure-electric utes on sale in New Zealand, plus a growing range of plug-in hybrids that can do short daily runs on electricity and still tow and travel long distances.

Pure-electric utes

• Riddara RD6 Pro (made by Geely): 73 kWh battery, about 360 km WLTP range, 3-tonne towing, payload just over a tonne. Built on a car-style platform rather than a ladder chassis. Listed from $69,990 (Driven, June 2026).

• Toyota Hilux BEV: 59.2 kWh battery, about 315 km (NEDC), 2-tonne towing, aimed at predictable shorter daily driving. Listed from $79,990 to $85,990 (Driven, June 2026).

• MG U9 EV: confirmed for New Zealand, with MG detailing a 102 kWh battery, around 430 km WLTP range and 3.5-tonne towing. Pricing to be confirmed.

Plug-in hybrid utes

• BYD Shark 6: 29.6 kWh battery with a petrol engine, 2.5 to 3.5-tonne towing, from $68,990 (Driven, June 2026).

• GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV: 37.1 kWh battery, around 100 km of real-world electric driving, 3.5-tonne towing.

• Ford Ranger PHEV: smaller 11.8 kWh battery and about 43 km electric range, but full Ranger towing and 4x4 ability.

• JAC T9 PHEV: 32 kWh battery, claimed 100 km electric range and 3.5-tonne towing.

Why this matters on the farm

Most ute driving on a farm or in a trade business is short, repeated trips. A plug-in or electric ute charged overnight, or from solar on the shed during the day, can cover much of that on electricity that costs a fraction of diesel. Several of these utes also have vehicle-to-load (V2L) sockets, so you can run power tools straight from the ute.

The key is having a proper charger where you park. A dedicated wall charger is safer and much faster than a standard 3-pin plug, and can be set to charge from your solar or on cheap night rates. We install home, farm and shed chargers across Canterbury. See our EV charger page or ask for a free quote.

Sources

• Driven Car Guide, "From BYD Shark 6 to Toyota Hilux BEV: meet New Zealand's electrified 1-tonne utes", 5 June 2026

• EVs and Beyond, MG U9 EV details, 2026

Prices and specifications are as published by the sources above and may have changed. Check with the dealer before buying.