For many businesses looking to switch their commercial vehicles to electric, there has been one major challenge finding a fully electric pick-up capable of replacing a traditional diesel workhorse.
Businesses now able to choose from an increasingly broad range of electric vans. Pick-ups, however, have been slower to make the switch.
For fleet operators, construction companies, utility providers, local authorities and organisations that rely on hardworking commercial vehicles every day, the arrival of genuinely capable electric pick-ups represents another significant step towards electrifying the UK's commercial vehicle sector.
Why are businesses looking at electric pick-ups?
Pick-up trucks often have to do considerably more than simply transport employees from A to B.
Businesses may need four-wheel drive, towing capability, payload capacity and off-road performance, alongside enough passenger space to operate as an everyday company vehicle.
Until recently, combining those requirements with a fully electric drivetrain has been difficult. However, businesses now have a small but increasingly credible selection of fully electric pick-ups to consider.
Double-cab pick-up tax changes
There is another reason businesses may now be reconsidering their pick-up fleets.
From 6 April 2025, the tax treatment of double-cab pick-ups changed. Rather than relying on the previous one-tonne payload test, HMRC now considers the vehicle's construction and whether it is primarily suited to carrying passengers or goods.
As a result, most double-cab pick-ups are now treated as cars for Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) purposes, rather than benefiting from the previous commercial vehicle treatment.
Transitional arrangements apply to qualifying vehicles purchased, leased or ordered before 6 April 2025, while the rules for VAT treatment remain separate.
For businesses replacing diesel double-cab pick-ups, this makes the emissions of the vehicle particularly important. Fully electric models can benefit from the considerably lower company car BiK rates available to zero-emission vehicles, potentially making electric pick-ups especially attractive where employees also have private use of the vehicle.
Double Cab Pick Ups - Tax Changes 2025
Which fully electric pick-ups are available in the UK?
The UK electric pick-up market is still relatively small, but businesses now have several very different options.
Isuzu D-Max EV
The Isuzu D-Max EV is designed to bring electric power to a familiar working pick-up.
Its 66.9kWh battery provides up to 163 miles of WLTP range, while a dual-motor, full-time 4x4 drivetrain is designed for demanding working environments.
Crucially for commercial users, the D-Max EV retains over a one-tonne payload and up to 3.5 tonnes of towing capacity.
For construction, agriculture, utilities and organisations regularly operating in challenging environments, the D-Max EV is one of the most work-focused electric pick-ups currently available.
Isuzu D-Max - Electric Leasing Deals
MAXUS eTERRON 9
The MAXUS eTERRON 9 combines pick-up practicality with many of the features and technology you might expect from a modern electric SUV.
Its large 102kWh battery provides up to 267 miles of WLTP range, giving businesses a considerably larger potential operating radius.
It also offers all-wheel drive, a 620kg payload and up to 3.5 tonnes of towing capacity.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality adds another useful feature for businesses, allowing energy stored in the vehicle's battery to power compatible external electrical equipment, including tools and equipment when working on site.
MAXUS eTERRON 9 - Electric Leasing Deals
KGM Musso EV
The KGM Musso EV adds another interesting option to the growing UK electric pick-up market.
Powered by an 80.6kWh battery, it offers a WLTP combined range of up to 261 miles, making it particularly interesting for businesses that need greater everyday driving range.
UK models are available with two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while selected versions can offer a payload of up to 1,005kg and towing capability of up to 1,800kg.
The Musso EV could therefore provide an appealing middle ground for businesses looking for passenger comfort, useful driving range and the practicality of a double-cab pick-up.
KGM Musso - Electric Leasing Deals
Which electric pick-up is right for your business?
There isn't one electric pick-up that will suit every business.
The Isuzu D-Max EV places a strong emphasis on traditional workhorse capability, including its payload, towing and off-road credentials.
The MAXUS eTERRON 9 combines 3.5-tonne towing capability with a larger battery, longer driving range and V2L technology.
Meanwhile, the KGM Musso EV offers another compelling option for businesses looking for a practical double-cab with a strong everyday electric range.
But choosing an electric commercial vehicle isn't simply about comparing advertised range. Businesses need to consider payload, towing requirements, daily mileage, routes, charging availability, downtime and how each vehicle is actually used.
Thinking about electrifying your commercial fleet?
For some businesses, today's electric pick-ups could already provide a practical replacement for diesel. For others, the technology or charging infrastructure may not quite fit their operation yet.
At Lease Electric, our Fleet Consultancy service can help you understand where electric vehicles can work within your fleet and where retaining another powertrain may currently make more sense.
Whether you're replacing a single pick-up, exploring electric vans or planning the gradual electrification of an entire commercial fleet, talk to the Lease Electric team about the vehicles, charging and leasing options available.