Isuzu has unveiled its first electric vehicle, a full battery electric pick-up truck due on sale next year. The Isuzu D-Max BEV was revealed as a prototype at a preview event ahead of the upcoming Bangkok International Motor Show.
The D-Max BEV will be one of just a handful of electric pickups on sale, joining the Maxus T90EV and the forthcoming Ford Ranger PHEV. Isuzu's D-Max BEV will look to combine Isuzu's renowned ruggedness and versatility with an eco-friendly electric powertrain.
Said to be capable of carrying a 1-tonne payload with a 3.5-tonne towing capacity, the D-Max BEV retains the same working abilities as the regular Isuzu D-Max models. It gets full-time all-wheel-drive with new e-Axles and is owered by a 66.9kWh battery and dual electric motors.
The D-Max BEV has a top speed of over 130km/h (81mph) and will launch in selected European markets in 2025, with potential expansion to the UK, Australia, Thailand, and other regions depending on market demand and EV charging infrastructure development.
"The Isuzu D-Max BEV represents a new era for pickups, combining legendary toughness with electric technology," said Alan Able, Managing Director of Isuzu UK. "We are proud to work with a manufacturer committed to creating a carbon-neutral future and announce this innovative vehicle to the UK market, providing our customers with an environmentally friendly option without compromising on performance or reliability."
Ford's Plug-in Hybrid Ranger pick-up truck uses a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and hybrid system from the Kuga SUV too give the truck an electric only range of 45km (28 miles). It will be the first plug-in hybrid model in the pick-up sector.
The Maxus T90EV, uses a 88.5kWh battery paired to a 150kW electric motor to deliver a respectable 220 mile range. It is currently the only fully electric pick-up truck on sale, but is limited by its rear-wheel-drive only configuration. A newer all-wheel-drive model is expected to arrive later this year.
Toyota has also added a 48V electric system to its Hilux range in an effort to improve performance and reduce fuel consumption.
