Nissan Navara goes electric! Nissan-Dongfeng Rich 6 the world's first EV dual-cab

Nissan has unveiled what is believed to be the world's first full-production electric ute, the Nissan-Dongfeng Rich 6 EV.

The China-only pick-up - built by Nissan's local 50:50 joint-venture partner, the Dongfeng Motor Company - is based on the Navara we know and love in Australia. But it's what's under the bonnet (or more accurately, what isn't) that makes all the difference here.

Gone is the twin-turbocharged 2.3-litre diesel engine (good for 140kW and 450Nm) we're used to, replaced by a 68kWh battery that Dongfeng says will produce a NEDC range of 403kms.

The Rich 6 EV is powered by a single electric motor good for around 120kW and 420Nm, and Dongfeng says is dual-cab-only EV ute can be recharged from zero to 80 per cent in around 45 minutes. 

Elsewhere, though, the dimensions are slightly smaller than its Navara sibling, with its 5290mm length, 18650mm width, and 1790mm height. It's carrying capacity, though, has been impacted, with the Rich 6 EV quoting a max payload of 490kg.

As far as Nissan proper goes, the Rich 6 EV is unlikely to inspire a true EV Navara in other markets anytime soon. 

Speaking at the Australian launch of the brand's Leaf, the brand's global director of EVs, Nic Thomas, told CarsGuide he expected the brand's workhorse ute to arrive as a range-extender hybrid before being offered as a full-EV variant.

“Ute customers in particular are demanding, they need something rugged and reliable, and right now EV technology is more suited to commuters in cities who travel within that 40km limit talked about,” he says. 

Are you ready for an all-electric dual-cab ute? Tell us in the comments below.