If there’s one business that had to get its hands on an electric pick-up first, it’s the National Grid.
The company that literally keeps Britain’s lights on is now helping power Isuzu’s next big step with a trial of the fully electric D-Max EV ahead of its release in early 2026.
Isuzu UK has placed a pick-up with National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) to test and fine-tune the D-Max EV under real-world conditions, with eight field engineers across the Midlands, South Wales, and the South West tasked with seeing just how well the new 4x4 can handle life in the real world.
It’s a fitting partnership, electricity meets electricity, and it’s been four years in the making.
NGED’s fleet technical specialist, Jane Nicholson, and her team have worked closely with Isuzu’s design engineers in Japan and Europe, helping shape the pick-up’s operational features and storage layout to suit the tough jobs NGED crews tackle daily.
“We’ve trialled EVs before,” Nicholson explained, “but never to this level. The D-Max EV will have off-road capability, towing, and winching — everything our engineers need out in the field. Isuzu has been genuinely collaborative, and we’ve had direct input into how this vehicle is designed and equipped.”
NGED already operates one of the UK’s largest EV fleets. Its 1,200 fleet is split between 400 electric vans and 800 cars, but this will be its first electric 4x4 pick-up it will use.
Chris Mayell, transport manager at NGED, added: “This is a unique chance to shape not just the vehicle itself but also how it’s adapted for our kind of work. It’s another big step toward decarbonising our fleet.”
And the engineers themselves are clearly buzzing. Cornwall-based technician David Cassidy said: “It feels surprisingly familiar, like our current diesel pick-ups, just quieter. It’s great to be involved in something that could redefine how we work
Cardiff-based Richard Gadd added: “It’s exciting to connect sustainability with the real challenges we face every day. It’s not just an EV - it’s a serious tool.”
The D-Max EV should easily be up to the task with a pair of electric motors, a full-time 4WD system and 140 kW of power and 325 Nm of torque.
There's also a 66.9kWh battery storing the energy needed for the D-Max EV's proper working credentials which include a 3.5-tonne towing capacity and a 1-tonne payload. It also has a 210mm ground clearance, 600mm wading depth and a 30.5 degree approach angle.
Mark Hayes, fleet sales manager at Isuzu UK, said: “If you want to test an electric pick-up properly, give it to the National Grid. Their engineers will find any weakness fast — but also help make it bulletproof. We’re incredibly proud to work with them. The D-Max EV will deliver full Isuzu capability with zero-emission operation, and these trials are key to making sure it performs flawlessly in the real world.”
