Scoop! Electric Deepal Hunter Ute a Chance for Australia

The world’s first range-extender electric ute (REEV) in the world could be making a beeline for Australian buyers.

While the BYD Shark 6 - a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) ute - arrived on our shores in January, with the Ford Ranger PHEV expected to follow shortly, it is unclear what separation there exists between this REEV and other PHEV's, and therefore this claim of being 'first' is debatable.

The Deepal Hunter has been on display in Thailand in recent days, with the dual-cab ute being manufactured in right-hand-drive – making it ripe for an Australian launch.

A trademark filing unearthed by CarSauce also shows the Deepal Hunter name being registered in Australia just a few weeks ago, lending weight to the theory of the model eventually coming Down Under.

Unlike a plug-in hybrid – which can typically run on either electric or petrol power – the Hunter is closer to an electric vehicle, but also comes with a 135kW/390Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is used purely as a generator to create electricity for the 31.2kWh battery pack.

However, for the sake of simplicity, the Deepal Hunter is ostensibly a plug-in hybrid – offering up to 131 kilometres of electric driving range (NEDC), with a total claimed driving range of more than 900km thanks to a 70-litre fuel tank.

The ute has dual electric motors – one on each axle, for all-wheel drive – putting out 70kW and 130kW respectively, for a combined total of 200kW and 470Nm.

The Hunter is said to be able to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds, and has independent double-wishbone suspension at the front, independent multi-link suspension at the rear, as well as disc brakes on all corners.

Inside, there’s a 7.5-inch digital instrument cluster and 12-inch infotainment screen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360-degree cameras – with recording – and voice commands.

The interior is upholstered in synthetic leather and features powered front seats with ventilation, a leather steering wheel, wireless smartphone charger, automatic climate control, and rear air vents.

Outside, there’s a powered tailgate, LED lights front and rear, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Deepal Hunter is on sale in Thailand for 1.1 million Baht, or approximately AU$51,500 – making the ute a potential category challenger if it does make its way to Australian shores.