Isuzu locks in electric D-Max for Oz

ISUZU Motors Limited Japan is set to unveil its first battery electric D-Max at next week’s Bangkok International Motor Show meeting what it says are a broad range of commercial and lifestyle buyer needs while at the same time retaining the “tough underlying performance expected of pick-up trucks”.

Further, GoAuto can now report that the Isuzu D-Max EV is confirmed for the Australian market. What is not known at this stage is delivery timing, price, or local specifications for the all-electric ute.

Isuzu Motors Limited Japan says the D-Max EV will offer a full-time four-wheel drive system with newly developed e-axles both front and rear.

The combination is said to offer excellent performance on rough roads and the linear acceleration and feel characteristic of battery electric vehicles – all while minimising road noise and vibration.

Furthermore, the model will retain the 3500kg braked towing capacity of its diesel-powered sibling, the battery electric version sharing the ladder-frame chassis of its derivative.

Isuzu Motors Limited Japan said that it is “keenly aware that customers use pick-up trucks for various applications” and that the D-Max EV will launch in select mainland Europe markets in 2025, as well as into the UK, Australia, Thailand and “other countries based on market needs and the maturity of EV charging infrastructure”.

For the concept model, the specifications provided show a 66.9kWh (gross) lithium-ion battery pack and motor outputs of 130kW (40kW front / 90kW rear) and 325Nm (108Nm front / 217Nm rear). Top speed is listed at 130km/h.

Charging times and range estimations have not been provided, however Isuzu says a payload of 1000kg will be maintained.

It is expected the arrival of the D-Max EV will assist Isuzu Ute Australia in meeting the needs of the government’s incoming New Vehicle Efficiency Standards.

Last week, Isuzu Ute Australia urged the Australian federal government to consult further with Australia’s automotive industry to identify a New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) that protects the interests and needs of all Australians irrespective of their locality.

It said the NVES proposal presents engineering, financial, and timing challenges for many vehicle brands, particularly those that centre on the importation of diesel-powered utility and large SUV models as part of their range, and ultimately risks negatively impacting Australian consumers, particularly those in rural and regional settings.

Further, Isuzu Ute Australia said that while it is working to transition toward the production of low- and zero vehicles on a global level, the reality of the situation is that the development of such technology is in its infancy in the light commercial vehicle sector.

The latest announcement – which comes on the back of news that a 48-volt mild-hybrid D-Max is also expected next year – indicates that transition may now be closer than anticipated, giving the importer a lifeline in protecting its stake in the Australian market.

More details are expected to be announced imminently.