Isuzu D-Max EV in the works: report

ISUZU is reportedly working on an all-electric version of its popular D-Max utility.

According to an article published by UK outlet Auto Express this week, the utility will be produced for sale in the European market and will be based on the current generation D-Max, adding electric power in a similar method to that observed with Toyota’s case-study HiLux BEV.

The announcement was made by Isuzu president and COO, Shinsuke Minami, at the release of the updated MY24 Isuzu D-Max in Bangkok this week.

“Isuzu is actively taking efforts to realise a carbon-neutral society. Going forward, Isuzu plans to produce a BEV (battery electric vehicle) pick-up in Thailand,” he stated.

“Isuzu will first introduce it in Europe, then examine its gradual roll-out by meeting the needs of each market.”

Mr Minami did not provide technical details, specifications, or timing for the Isuzu D-Max EV, but it’s understood the variant will be based on the current platform, giving Isuzu (and related Mazda) a rival to the likes of the all-electric LDV eT60, as well as the incoming KGM (formerly SsangYong) 0100 and plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger.

GoAuto understands the D-Max BEV will be powered by a version of the driveline found in Isuzu’s N Series light duty electric truck, meaning power output of between 110kW and 150kW and a peak torque value of 370Nm.

The D-Max and N Series currently share Isuzu’s 3.0-litre 4JJ3-series four-cylinder turbo-diesel producing 140kW/450Nm, however the electric model is powered to more closely match the D-Max’s 1.9-litre turbo-diesel ‘four’ with 110kW/350Nm.

Isuzu has not confirmed battery specification and range for its D-Max EV, but it will likely be comparable to others on the market, offering somewhere in the vicinity of 90kWh capacity and driving range of approximately 350km.

Isuzu Ute Australia is yet to pass comment of the prospect of an electrified D-Max for the local market, stating simply that it is “unable to comment on future model plans at this time” and that it “will continue to monitor the market to ensure that any local (Thai) product updates meet Australia market requirements”.

That final point would appear to be the undoing of such a model for Isuzu’s Australian showrooms with local buyers tending to favour variants with high payload and towing capacities – and a significant range of up to 800km.

The news of Isuzu’s D-Max EV comes at the same time the Japanese manufacturer announced details of its MY24 utility range.

Sporting an updated frontal design with revised bi-LED headlights and new ‘black chrome’ grille, more technology, and several new convenience features, along with a revamped ‘triple armour’ tail-light assembly and broadened alloy wheel selection, the 2024 Isuzu D-Max range is likely to make its way into Aussie showrooms early next year.

According to Isuzu’s Thai website, the facelifted D-Max will also offer bolstered wheel arch extensions on the high-grade V-Cross variant (sold locally as the X-Terrain), and an aerodynamically improved lower bumper section with drag-reducing outer vents and an angled fog- or cornering light.

Interior changes take the lead from the Isuzu MU-X with steering wheel paddle shifters, ventilated front seats, front and rear USB-C charging ports, and wireless Android Auto now featuring on select variants. Touch-sensitive controls replace many of the infotainment system’s hard buttons.

A new bronze-finish interior treatment with BT-50 style brown and black leather upholstery is depicted on the high-grade V-Cross (X-Terrain) variant.

The range is also set to see the introduction of a larger multi-function display within the instrument panel, upgraded from 4.2- to 7.0 inches, though likely only on higher grade variants.

Isuzu’s Thai website does not mention any changes to the safety apparatus fitting to the D-Max, mentioning only a wider-view frontal camera (the camera appears to be stereoscopic in the images shown).

Similarly, there is no indication of any update to the vehicle’s driveline with the D-Max set to carryover the current 1.9- and 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engines (outputting 110kW/350Nm and 140kW/450Nm respectively), six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, and choice of two- and four-wheel drive – the latter now available with the MU-X’s ‘rough terrain mode’.

It is not yet known whether the changes noted above will be applied to Mazda’s twin-under-the-skin BT-50 range.

With AutoExpress