Nissan-Dongfeng builds world’s first production electric bakkie

While the rest of the world is patiently awaiting the launch of the Tesla Pickup and the Rivian double cab, Nissan-Dongfeng quietly introduced an all-electric bakkie in China.

The Nissan-Dongfeng Rich 6 EV is the world’s first production electric bakkie, which is quite an achievement.

The basis for this electric car is the current Nissan Navara, but instead of a 2.3-litrre twin-turbo diesel, you get a 68kWh battery which power a single electric motor good for 120kW and 420Nm of torque. There is room left for a second electric motor, which would give this bakkie 4×4 capability as well as double the power output.

The rest of the package is basically the same. It’s slightly smaller than the Navara and the payload is down to 490kg. Even with all the batteries, this bakkie is only 88kg heavier than a Navara with a traditional diesel engine.

Dongfeng says it can be charged from zero to around 80% in around 45 minutes, most likely with some sort of supercharger.

There are no plans to offer this bakkie outside of China, but it is an interesting preview of what’s to come from Nissan.