This new electric ute from China looks like it ate a Cybertruck for breakfast

Unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, the GAC Pickup 01 is a futuristic, high-riding, all-terrain beast that looks like it rolled off a sci-fi film set. Or maybe it looks like a one-night stand between a Cybertruck and Hummer EV got out of hand. We’ll let you decide. Either way, it’s got its sights set on Australia. 

GAC Pickup 01

Built on GAC’s new GAIA platform (GAC Adaptive Intelligent Architecture), the Pickup 01 isn’t just a fugly face (I want to say pretty but I just can’t). It’s designed with off-road cred, featuring adaptive suspension, big ground clearance, multi-mode 4×4 systems, chunky all-terrain tyres, and exposed tow hooks. The concept vehicle seems to have sacrificed bed length for a better departure angle and also features two LED light bars above the windshield, as well as small cameras instead of traditional wing mirrors. It’s designed to handle city streets, bush tracks, and towing duties with the ability to switch modes on the fly.

Inside, the concept takes things to another level with a sliding steering wheel that can swap sides (though good luck passing that through local safety regs), plus a minimalist interior that transforms into a sleeping space for camping trips. GAC says the cabin tech includes the “X-Soul Safety Shield”, a mash-up of high-end driver aids and luxury mod cons. Other new tech hints at an advanced driver assist system that could herald hands and eyes off the road highway cruising, but again, good luck passing that through Australian safety regulations.

So, what’s under the bonnet? That part’s still under wraps. 

When will we see it in Australia?

The Pickup 01 is set for production by 2027, though a toned-down version could drop in China as soon as 2026. GAC has already lined up a distributor for its Australian launch later this year, with the Pickup 01 shaping up as a flagship model alongside the likes of the GS8 and Aion V.

Whether you love it, hate it, or just can’t stop staring at it, one thing’s for sure, GAC’s Pickup 01 could be a potential alternative to the elusive American EV pickups here in Australia (which either aren’t available or are available at a ridiculous cost), rivalling the Ford F-150 Lightning, RAM 1500 REV, GMC Hummer EV, Rivian R1T and the Tesla Cybertruck.

About GAC

As one of China’s leading automotive exporters, GAC (which is known for its joint ventures with Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi), has built a comprehensive ecosystem covering R&D, manufacturing, and sales. Its commercial vehicle division, GAC Hino Motors, benefits from century-old expertise inherited from Hino Motors (a Toyota Group company) while integrating China’s manufacturing efficiency.

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