China’s unconventional ute draws curiosity as launch looms in Australia
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If you thought you’d seen it all when it comes to utes and SUVs on Aussie roads, think again!
China’s quirkiest and most innovative electric vehicle is about to make its grand entrance Down Under, and it’s set to shake up our traditionally rugged, no-nonsense ute market in a way we haven’t seen before.
Forget everything you know about the classic Aussie ute. The Deepal E07, also known as the 'Multitruck,' is a true shape-shifter. At first glance, it looks like a sleek, coupe-style SUV.
But with the press of a button, the rear section of the roof retracts, transforming it into an open load bay, just like a ute!
Want even more versatility? The glass behind the rear seats drops, letting in fresh air, and the rear seats slide forward to extend the cargo area. It’s a Swiss Army knife on wheels!
This clever design isn’t just a gimmick. It’s inspired by some of the most innovative vehicles from the US, like the GMC Envoy XUV and the Chevrolet Avalanche, both of which featured retractable roofs and 'midgates' to expand cargo space.
However, those models never made it to Australia, making the E07 a true pioneer on our shores.
For those who love a good boot space stat, the E07 doesn’t disappoint. The rear compartment offers 524 litres of space (measuring 941mm long and 1028mm wide between the wheel arches).
Drop the rear seats, and you’ll get a whopping 1543mm of length and a cavernous 1654 litres of volume, plenty of room for the golf clubs, camping gear, or a Bunnings haul.
There’s even a 131-litre storage compartment under the bonnet for those extra odds and ends.
However, it’s worth noting that the E07’s payload is 300kg for the load area, less than your typical workhorse ute, but more than enough for most weekend warriors and urban adventurers.
While the E07 is available in China with a range-extending petrol engine, Aussies will be getting the full electric experience.
The entry-level, single-motor rear-wheel drive version starts at $64,900 (before on-road costs) and boasts a healthy 252kW/365Nm, with a claimed range of 642km (NEDC cycle).
If you want more grunt, the dual-motor all-wheel drive model is $73,900 and rockets from 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds, thanks to a massive 440kW/645Nm output.
The range drops only slightly to 626km. Both models use a high-tech 89.98kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery and an 800V electrical system, allowing for ultra-fast DC charging up to 240kW.
Plus, with vehicle-to-load capability (up to 6.6kW), you can power your campsite, tools, or even another EV in a pinch.
The E07 isn’t just about clever cargo tricks and electric power. It comes loaded with features, including Resting and Camping modes (perfect for those outback adventures), 360-degree Sentry Mode monitoring for peace of mind, and a full suite of active safety and driver assist technologies.
While the full equipment list is still under wraps, expect all the mod cons you’d want in a modern EV.
According to Deepal Australia boss Cormac Cafolla, the first batch of right-hand drive E07S is already on the water and set to arrive for customer handovers in late August or early September.
If you’ve got your eye on one, check in with your local Deepal retailer for order details—there’s already a second batch in the pipeline!
The arrival of the Deepal E07 signals a new era for utes and SUVs in Australia.
It’s a bold move away from the traditional, petrol-guzzling workhorses we’re used to, and a sign that electric vehicles are becoming more versatile, practical, and—dare we say—fun!
Are you excited about the arrival of the Deepal E07? Would you consider swapping your trusty ute for this high-tech, shape-shifting EV? Or do you think it’s all a bit too quirky for the Aussie market? Share your thoughts, questions, and first impressions in the comments below.
Read more: This simple winter mistake could cost some Aussies $600—are you making it too?
China’s quirkiest and most innovative electric vehicle is about to make its grand entrance Down Under, and it’s set to shake up our traditionally rugged, no-nonsense ute market in a way we haven’t seen before.
Forget everything you know about the classic Aussie ute. The Deepal E07, also known as the 'Multitruck,' is a true shape-shifter. At first glance, it looks like a sleek, coupe-style SUV.
But with the press of a button, the rear section of the roof retracts, transforming it into an open load bay, just like a ute!
China’s Deepal E07 electric SUV/ute set to arrive in Australia with handovers starting late August. Credit: X
Want even more versatility? The glass behind the rear seats drops, letting in fresh air, and the rear seats slide forward to extend the cargo area. It’s a Swiss Army knife on wheels!
This clever design isn’t just a gimmick. It’s inspired by some of the most innovative vehicles from the US, like the GMC Envoy XUV and the Chevrolet Avalanche, both of which featured retractable roofs and 'midgates' to expand cargo space.
However, those models never made it to Australia, making the E07 a true pioneer on our shores.
For those who love a good boot space stat, the E07 doesn’t disappoint. The rear compartment offers 524 litres of space (measuring 941mm long and 1028mm wide between the wheel arches).
Drop the rear seats, and you’ll get a whopping 1543mm of length and a cavernous 1654 litres of volume, plenty of room for the golf clubs, camping gear, or a Bunnings haul.
There’s even a 131-litre storage compartment under the bonnet for those extra odds and ends.
However, it’s worth noting that the E07’s payload is 300kg for the load area, less than your typical workhorse ute, but more than enough for most weekend warriors and urban adventurers.
While the E07 is available in China with a range-extending petrol engine, Aussies will be getting the full electric experience.
The entry-level, single-motor rear-wheel drive version starts at $64,900 (before on-road costs) and boasts a healthy 252kW/365Nm, with a claimed range of 642km (NEDC cycle).
The range drops only slightly to 626km. Both models use a high-tech 89.98kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery and an 800V electrical system, allowing for ultra-fast DC charging up to 240kW.
Plus, with vehicle-to-load capability (up to 6.6kW), you can power your campsite, tools, or even another EV in a pinch.
The E07 isn’t just about clever cargo tricks and electric power. It comes loaded with features, including Resting and Camping modes (perfect for those outback adventures), 360-degree Sentry Mode monitoring for peace of mind, and a full suite of active safety and driver assist technologies.
While the full equipment list is still under wraps, expect all the mod cons you’d want in a modern EV.
According to Deepal Australia boss Cormac Cafolla, the first batch of right-hand drive E07S is already on the water and set to arrive for customer handovers in late August or early September.
The arrival of the Deepal E07 signals a new era for utes and SUVs in Australia.
It’s a bold move away from the traditional, petrol-guzzling workhorses we’re used to, and a sign that electric vehicles are becoming more versatile, practical, and—dare we say—fun!
Read more: This simple winter mistake could cost some Aussies $600—are you making it too?
