There are now more electric and plug-in hybrid utes and vans on sale than ever. At the same time, incentives have changed a lot, with some ending and others coming back. If your ute or van is due for replacement, here is what is available, what towing really does to range, and what help you can get.
Electric and plug-in utes you can buy
New Zealand has one of the widest choices. A June 2026 round-up by DRIVEN listed these electrified one-tonne utes:
- BYD Shark 6: a plug-in “super hybrid” from 68,990 dollars, towing 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes.
- GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV: from 60,990 dollars, with a claimed 115 km of electric range. The tester got about 100 km. Tows 3.5 tonnes.
- Ford Ranger PHEV: from 82,990 dollars, with 43 km of electric range. Tows 3.5 tonnes.
- Riddara RD6 Pro: fully electric, 69,990 dollars, 360 km claimed range, tows 3 tonnes, payload just over 1 tonne.
- Toyota Hilux BEV: fully electric, from 79,990 dollars, 315 km claimed range, tows 2 tonnes.
Many of the same models are sold in Australia. Note the big difference between plug-in hybrids, which have a petrol or diesel engine for long trips, and fully electric utes, which rely only on the battery.
Towing and range: the reality
Claimed range figures are measured without a load. Towing changes everything.
- A US test by InsideEVs had a Tesla Cybertruck tow a ute of roughly 3.2 tonnes over an 86-mile (about 138 km) loop. Range dropped by about 60 percent.
- A June 2026 Australian caravan industry article said towing a full-size van roughly doubles an EV’s energy use. It gave an example of a 450 km range dropping to 200 km or less at highway speeds.
- Towing capacity also varies. The Hilux BEV is rated at 2 tonnes, while several plug-in hybrids are rated at 3.5 tonnes.
For short urban runs with a light trailer, a fully electric ute can work well. For long-distance towing of heavy gear, a plug-in hybrid or diesel may still suit better.
Charging for a trade business
Most trade vehicles sit at home or the yard overnight. That makes home or depot charging the main option for most tradies. A few points to think about:
- A proper wall charger is much faster than a standard power point. Get a licensed electrician to check your switchboard and supply.
- Plan your longest regular day. If it is longer than your real-world range with a load, you will need to charge during the day.
- Plug-in hybrids give you a backup engine, but you only save fuel if you actually plug them in.
Incentives and running costs by country
- New Zealand: There is no purchase rebate. Light electric vehicles have paid road user charges since 1 April 2024, and plug-in hybrids pay a reduced rate.
- Australia: There is no national purchase rebate. The FBT exemption covers battery electric vehicles defined as cars, designed to carry less than one tonne and fewer than nine passengers, and under the luxury car tax threshold. Plug-in hybrids stopped qualifying from 1 April 2025. The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard started on 1 January 2025 and pushes brands to sell lower emission utes and vans.
- United Kingdom: The Plug-in Van Grant gives up to 2,500 pounds off a small electric van and up to 5,000 pounds off a large one. It has been extended to at least 2027. Electric vans made up 9.9 percent of new van sales in the first half of 2026, well short of the 24 percent ZEV mandate target for 2026.
- United States: The federal commercial clean vehicle credit is not available for vehicles bought after 30 September 2025.
- Canada: A new federal incentive opened on 16 February 2026. It offers up to 5,000 dollars for an electric vehicle and 2,500 dollars for a plug-in hybrid in 2026, falling each year to 2030. Imported vehicles must be priced at 50,000 dollars or less and come from a free trade partner country. Check whether your ute or van qualifies.
Questions to ask before you buy
- What is the real range with my usual load and trailer?
- What is the towing rating, and does it drop with a full tray?
- What is the payload once the battery weight is counted?
- Is there local servicing and parts support for this brand?
- What does charging at home or the yard cost to set up?
What it means for your business
- Track your real daily kilometres for a month before choosing. Most tradies drive less than they think, but some days are much longer.
- If you tow heavy gear long distances, look closely at plug-in hybrids, or wait for more real-world test results.
- In the UK and Canada, check grant and rebate rules with the dealer before you sign. In the US, do not count on the old federal credit.
- Budget for a home or depot charger and any electrical upgrades.
- Ask for a test drive with your own trailer or load where possible.
Sources
- From BYD Shark 6 to Toyota Hilux BEV: meet New Zealand’s electrified 1-tonne utes, DRIVEN
- Tesla Cybertruck range drops 60% towing a Rivian R1T over 86 miles, InsideEVs
- EV and PHEV towing caravans in Australia, What’s Up Downunder
- Road user charges extended to EVs and hybrids, Otago Daily Times
- Electric cars exemption, Australian Taxation Office
- Plug-in van and truck grant extended until 2027, What Car?
- Van market grows but electric uptake still trails target, AM Online
- Commercial clean vehicle credit, Internal Revenue Service
This article is general information based on sources available in October 2026. Rules, prices and figures change, so check the current details with the official source where you work.