The MAXUS eTERRON 9 heralds a new era: The first fully electric pick-up with standard all-wheel drive in the UK celebrates its UK premiere at Harris Maxus HQ in Liverpool recently, setting new standards in the mid-size segment. This powerful and versatile model with a spacious bed offers a high payload and towing capacity as well as exceptional comfort.
The new eTerron 9 marks the beginning of a comprehensive model offensive: over the next few years the MAXUS brand, which is part of the SAIC Group, will launch numerous new products on the UK market, which plays a critical role in the company’s global growth strategy. The focus is on sustainable and locally emission-free mobility.
“The UK is a vital market for MAXUS and Harris Group. Having launched successfully in one of the most exacting markets in the world, we are now going on the offensive. We want to expand our pioneering role in sustainable and emission-free mobility with further new models, each one pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” explains Harris Group Managing Director, Brian Patterson.
Andrew Lawson, MD of Harris Maxus UK, added: “Our new eTerron 9 pick-up, which we are presenting to the public for the first time here in Liverpool, is only the first stage of this product offensive. It’s the first all-electric pick-up with all-wheel drive in the mid-size segment, offering all-wheel drive versatility with high payload and towing capacity, a powerful electric drive, and a high level of comfort thanks to car-like equipment and technology.”
Powerful Dual Motor
This completely new generation of pick-up provides just a foretaste of what’s still to come. The eTerron 9 relies on two electric motors: the two permanent magnet synchronous motors develop 125 kW/170 hp at the front and 200 kW/272 hp at the rear axle, resulting in an impressive system output of 325 kW/442 hp. In addition to impressive, rapid acceleration, this combination also enables the characteristic all-wheel drive, which ensures great traction on the road and a strong off-road performance.
The so-called All-Terrain System (ATS) comprises six preset driving modes, ranging from “Normal” to “Mud” and “Sand”. In addition, thanks to the user-defined controls, customers can configure steering, engine power and stability to their personal preferences, as well as the degree of energy recovery and the height of the standard air suspension. More than 400 different combinations are possible.
Long-range high-voltage battery
Energy for the powerful electric drive is supplied by a 102 kWh high-voltage battery, which can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in around 40 minutes with up to 115 kW at fast-charging stations. The lithium iron phosphate battery was designed according to the specially developed Tetris construction method.
This uses a nine-cell protective frame to distribute the forces horizontally and vertically – just like in the computer game Tetris. This minimizes space requirements and increases capacity and safety. Another new feature is the 9-channel ventilation system, which contributes to optimum battery temperature and guarantees maximum performance under all conditions. Alongside efficient energy recovery, thermal management improves the range in winter by 18 percent compared to conventional electric cars. The standard range of the eTerron 9 is up to 430 kilometres per battery charge (WLTP combined).
High versatility
Thanks to the standard “Vehicle to Load” function (V2L), the vehicle can even be transformed into a rolling “power bank”: the battery can be used to supply power to external devices. In addition to several 2.2 kW sockets in the front trunk and on the pickup bed, there is also an external 6.6 kW connection, which can be used to power anything from tools for tradesmen, to charging e-bikes, or running cool boxes on camping holidays.
Functional design enables extended loading capacities
Dressed in the “New Electrified Mecha” design language, which creates robust and powerful lines through the interplay of basic geometric shapes, the eTerron 9 is the perfect companion for commercial customers and private individuals with an active lifestyle.
The 5.50 metre long vehicle offers a maximum payload of 620 kilograms. If longer objects need to be transported, the rear wall of the driver’s cab can be lowered at the touch of a button. This creates a loading area up to 2.40 meters in length – ideal for a surfboard and skis as well as construction and gardening supplies.
In addition, there is a 236-litre “frunk” (front trunk) under the hood where luggage can be transported in weatherproof conditions, or which can be converted into a two-space seating area for open-air breaks or BBQs when camping. And that’s not all: another key feature of this vehicle is that you can tow up to 3.5 tons – a best value for all-electric pick-ups in this class.
High-quality equipment and features
MAXUS makes no compromises when it comes to equipment and features: soft leather creates a high-quality ambience in the eTerron 9, while the eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat has ventilation and a massage function. The two front seats can also be lowered in a few simple steps to create an almost flat sleeping area 170 cm long.
The 20 storage compartments distributed throughout the vehicle are also practical for everyday use. The hood and tailgate can be opened electrically.
High comfort, high safety
The multi-link rear suspension with air suspension, which adjusts the vehicle level depending on speed, are also more typical of a passenger car than a pickup truck. They give a more comfortable journey by reducing the amount of rolling and pitching. The vehicle height can also be adjusted using the air suspension to reduce air resistance and extend range. In Easy Load mode, the loading area can be lowered by 60 millimetres, which makes loading and unloading easier.
As well as guaranteeing exceptional driving stability and a high level of comfort, the eTerron 9 features an innovative semi-monocoque body, which combines the advantages of unibody construction and ladder frame. Safety is ensured by the high proportion (73 percent) of ultra-high-strength steel, which is also used in the A, B and C-pillars. We anticipate five stars in the forthcoming crash test to be conducted by the independent testing organization Euro NCAP. And to prevent accidents from occurring in the first place, assistance systems like emergency braking and a lane departure warning are on board as standard.
The Great Surround-Terrain Lighting System ensures that the eTerron 9 has high visibility: the ultrahigh-beam headlights shine more than 400 meters ahead and make the eTerron 9 highly recognizable – even at night.
Further information on the pickup, including prices and details of the market launch in the individual markets, will be announced at a later date.
