No electric ute yet for Foton, but ‘it’s a fast evolving world’

The electrified ute segment continues to heat up, with this week’s local launch of the mild hybrid Foton Tunland V7 and V9 — both of which make use of a 2.0-litre turbodiesel 48-volt hybrid powertrain. 

Could a fully electric or plug-in hybrid version follow suit? There are compelling reasons to expect more electrification as the Chinese brand looks to build out its portfolio down under. 

Foton’s line-up of commercial trucks includes fully electric options, in the form of the eAumark and eAuman, both of which are already on the market in New Zealand. Both trucks feature a 100kWh battery sourced from CATL, with range rated between 210km–260km.

Foton also offers a fully electric ute overseas. Named the eTunland G7, it is based on an updated version of the previous Tunland generation, and extracts a WLTP-rated range of 360km from an 88.6kWh battery pack in its two-wheel drive trim. 

Speaking to CarExpert NZ, Foton New Zealand chief executive Roger Jory said that customer interest in electrified commercial vehicle options has only grown amidst this year’s considerable increase in fuel costs. He believes the brand is well positioned for a quickly changing market.

“What's happened in the last six months with the oil price, that's driving these alternative powertrain options,” said Jory.

“Foton as a manufacturer, they're across the whole spectrum. ICE vehicles obviously, hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen ICE, they're doing hybrid as well, both mild and and plug-in. They're well across what all the Chinese brands call a new-energy vehicle powertrain space.”

Does this mean that a plug-in Tunland could come Down Under? Not in the short term at least, according to Jory.

“At the moment, we don't have any plans to change the current lineup. We're just launching what's available in right-hand drive, and we're not aware of any other options,” said Jory.

“But it's a fast evolving world. And unfortunately oil, long term, it's hard to see it dropping [in price] to where it was. 

“So economy and powertrain options that are sort of leaning towards new energy are the reality of the marketplace, and we're seeing that in the sales figures.” 

The Tunland V7 and V9’s mild-hybrid diesel powertrain is one of the few engines of its kind in the market, with only Toyota offering a similar mild-hybrid set-up in its Hilux. 

Foton’s 2.0-litre produces 120kW of power and 450Nm of torque — 30kW/50Nm less than the equivalent Hilux automatic. The pair of powertrains make similar fuel economy claims, too, with Foton stating a combined economy figure of 8.1L/100km. 

Jory believes the 48-bolt hybrid is an “exciting” player in the segment. “It is a good option. It's simple. It gives a good combination of performance and economy, and we think there's a good opportunity for that vehicle in the marketplace,” he said.