Foton e Tunland

Model Overview

The Foton eTunland is an all-electric pick-up truck (commercial utility vehicle) under Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd., representing the electrified line-up of the Foton TUNLAND family. Foton Motor is a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in China, and the TUNLAND series serves as the cornerstone of its global strategy, having established a footprint across multiple overseas markets including Mexico, Australia, South Africa, Russia, and Southeast Asia. Positioned as an "all-electric commercial pick-up," the eTunland strikes a balance between payload capability and green efficiency, targeting commercial logistics, construction sites, and outdoor operations. In terms of dimensions, specifications vary slightly across markets, with the Hong Kong-spec eTunland adopting a double-cab layout. Pricing-wise, the eTunland in Hong Kong starts from RM328,000, while in the Mexican market, it is marketed under the TUNLAND E5 moniker.

Design Language

In terms of exterior styling, the eTunland retains the bold, rugged character of the TUNLAND family. The TUNLAND range embodies the commanding road presence of a full-size pick-up—taking the TUNLAND V9 as an example, its body measures 5,617 mm in length, 2,090 mm in width, and 1,910–1,955 mm in height, projecting a muscular stance. The front fascia varies by trim level, with selected variants sporting a black mesh front grille to soften the boxy profile while adding a contemporary flair. As an all-electric model, the eTunland maintains its utilitarian ethos while sporting a closed or semi-closed front fascia to highlight its new energy vehicle (NEV) identity. The side profile features clean, chiselled character lines, complemented by high ground clearance and flared wheel arches that underscore its off-road capability.

Inside, the eTunland's cabin balances workhorse functionality with passenger-car comfort. Adopting a passenger-car interior philosophy, the seats are broad and supportive, offering generous legroom. Higher-grade variants feature a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen and a full digital instrument cluster, paired with an intelligent voice command system to create a modern, tech-forward cockpit. Practical physical buttons are retained on the centre console for intuitive blind operation while driving. The cabin is trimmed in hard-wearing, quality materials, catering to both commercial durability and daily commuting comfort.

Powertrain and Performance

The eTunland is driven by a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor delivering a maximum output of 177 hp (approx. 130 kW). Energy is supplied by an 88.02 kWh high-voltage lithium battery pack. On the driving range front, it achieves a combined range of up to 350 km under the WLTP test cycle. This range is well-suited for urban deliveries, construction site commutes, and daily commercial duties. In terms of charging efficiency, the eTunland supports DC fast charging—juicing up from 20% to 80% state of charge (SoC) in just 26 minutes, significantly minimising downtime and enhancing fleet efficiency. Medium-speed AC charging takes 8.8 hours, making it ideal for overnight charging after work shifts. When it comes to haulage, the eTunland boasts a maximum payload capacity of up to 900 kg.

For comparison, the TUNLAND range also offers plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options—the TUNLAND V9 PHEV pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with dual electric motors, churning out a combined 380 hp and 800 Nm of torque, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds, with an electric-only range of 110 km and a total cruising range of around 1,000 km. In addition, the Foton TUNLAND line-up features a 48V diesel mild-hybrid variant (Tunland V7/V9), powered by a 2.0L turbo-diesel engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system and a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, developing a peak torque of 450 Nm.

Chassis and Handling

The eTunland is built on Foton’s dedicated ladder-frame pick-up platform. The suspension setup comprises a front double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear leaf spring non-independent setup—the front double wishbones provide confident handling stability and road feedback, while the rear leaf springs ensure robust load-lugging capacity and durability under heavy payload conditions. The drivetrain is configured in a rear-motor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout. High ground clearance delivers solid all-terrain traversability over construction sites, rough gravel, and rural roads. Braking is handled by front and rear disc brakes, paired with a regenerative braking system that recoups kinetic energy during deceleration to optimise overall range. The steering system utilises Electric Power Steering (EPS), offering a well-weighted, manageable steering feel in both urban traffic and off-road scenarios.

Cabin and Features

The cabin centres around a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen as the primary command interface, equipped with an intelligent voice interaction system supporting all-scenario in-car connected services. The system integrates navigation, multimedia entertainment, and comprehensive vehicle status displays. On the comfort front, high-spec models come equipped with heated ergonomic seats to enhance driving comfort during colder weather. The cabin also features multi-colour ambient lighting synchronised with the central screen to elevate the interior atmosphere. Overall NVH suppression is improved by 15% over internal combustion engine (ICE) variants, with the electric drivetrain delivering a markedly quiet and vibration-free ride. For cargo duties, the rear bed is purpose-built for commercial haulage, accommodating a maximum payload of 900 kg.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety-wise, the eTunland comes standard with six airbags (front and side airbags). The chassis and body utilise a high-strength frame structure to provide robust crash protection. Active safety equipment includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). For advanced driver aids, the TUNLAND range is widely equipped with a Level 2.5 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Key features include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). Passive safety features such as a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and pre-tensioner seatbelts are also fitted. Overall safety benchmarks align with passenger-car standards, placing it among the frontrunners in the commercial pick-up class.

Market Performance and Outlook

As the green ambassador of the TUNLAND family, the Foton eTunland has been rolled out across several international markets. In the Mexican market, Foton officially introduced the complete TUNLAND pick-up range in July 2024, spearheaded by the TUNLAND E5 pure electric pick-up to mark its formal entry into the local NEV commercial sector. In the Hong Kong market, the eTunland is pitched as an all-electric workhorse highlighting its 900 kg payload and 350 km range, with prices starting from RM328,000. In the Australian market, the TUNLAND range has captured market interest with aggressive pricing (V7-C 4x2 starting from RM39,990) and a robust towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes. In the Russian market, the TUNLAND V9 PHEV is considered the most promising electrified pick-up candidate slated for local arrival in the near future.

However, the eTunland's presence in mainland China is still in its early stages and has yet to see a wide-scale rollout. Its domestic counterpart, the "General EV," is already on sale in China, offering range variants of 400 km and over 500 km, starting from RM119,800. In this segment, the eTunland goes up against rivals such as the BYD T5 and JMC Grand Avenue EV. The eTunland’s key selling points lie in its well-rounded package: a 900 kg payload capacity, 350 km WLTP range, 26-minute DC fast charging (20%–80%), and Level 2.5 ADAS suite. Serving as a crucial pillar in Foton Motor's electrification roadmap, the eTunland leverages its proven commercial vehicle DNA alongside the eco-friendly benefits of pure electric power to build a distinctive competitive edge in the global electric pick-up arena.