Isuzu previewed its first battery electric vehicle which is based on the D-Max midsize pickup, retaining the payload and towing capabilities of the turbodiesel versions.
A pre-production prototype of the Isuzu D-Max BEV will make its first public outing on March 27 at the Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand, before its market launch in Europe which is scheduled for 2025. Isuzu will also show another D-Max prototype fitted with a mild-hybrid diesel, although it is not clear if this one will reach production.
The zero-emission version of the recently facelifted pickup rides on the same ladder-frame chassis but trades the turbodiesel for a “full-time 4WD system with newly developed e-Axles in front and rear”. Energy is sourced from a 66.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The front electric motor produces 53 hp (40 kW / 54 PS) and 108 Nm (80 lb-ft) while the rear electric motor contributes another 121 hp (90 kW / 122 PS) and 217 Nm (160 lb-ft). The combined output is 174 hp (130 kW / 177 PS) and 325 Nm (240 lb-ft) of torque, meaning that the BEV is more powerful than the base-spec 1.9-liter diesel.
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The company didn’t reveal the driving range of the electric truck but confirmed it matches the 1,000 kg (2,205 pounds) payload and 3,500 kg (7,716 pounds) towing capacity of the existing diesel-powered trims. As for the top speed, it will be over 130 km/h (81 mph), prioritizing range.
Visually, the Isuzu D-Max BEV adopts a redesigned nose with a covered grille for better aerodynamics and blue accents. The rest of the dual-cab bodywork is shared with the ICE-powered D-Max, although there is a new set of six-spoke wheels and “EV Concept” badges on the profile. It remains to be seen if the production version looks any different from this prototype.
Isuzu says that the D-Max BEV will launch in “select mainland Europe markets such as Norway” in 2025. However, the electric pickup will also roll out in the UK, Australia, Thailand, and other countries, based on the “market needs and the maturity of EV charging infrastructure”.
A Mild Hybrid Diesel Could Further Expand The Lineup
Besides the fully electric version, Isuzu also showed the D-Max Hi-Lander MHEV prototype. This one comes fitted with a mildly electrified version of the 1.9-liter turbodiesel featuring a 48V system. Further details will be announced at a later date, including the specifications of the mild-hybrid truck and future production plans.
Rivals of the Isuzu D-Max like the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger recently received mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions respectively, but none offer a BEV powertrain option right now.
