The demand for electric utes in Australia is high according to local start-up Roev, which says it has received “strong demand” for its electric ute conversion program.
Roev, which was launched in 2020 by two former senior Atlassian executives, announced last year plans to convert 1,000 petrol and diesel utes to electric in the first 12 months of its EV Fleet Program.
The Brisbane headquartered company will focus initially on completing conversions of Australia’s two bestselling ute models – the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. Conversions will be available for all body types for model years between 2016 and 2022.
Roev opened a first round of reservations for its EV Fleet Program, aimed at giving local fleet customers the opportunity to reserve their share of the conversions ahead of the opening of official orders.
And according to Roev CEO Noah Wasmer, the company has already received reservation requests enough to fill their conversion build spots through to the end of 2023.
“It’s fantastic to see all of the interest is now turning into reservation requests” Wasmer said. “Confirming the strong demand allows us to plan and scale with more confidence.”
Even though demand for reservations are so high, Roev insists there is still time for fleets to submit reservation requests – which can be made here. The company says they are reviewing all requests and will confirm volumes with their fleet customers after the reservation window closes at the end of January.
“We want to reward the fleets who have engaged with us early, by allowing them to secure build spots and firm up their own plans for electrification” Wasmer said.
Conversion pricing starts at $47,990 per vehicle on both the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, and a minimum of three conversions required to participate in the first round of reservations.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.