Isuzu D-Max goes electric: A new era for pickup trucks, debut 2 weeks away!

KUALA LUMPUR: Isuzu Motors Limited is gearing up to introduce the all-electric version of its popular D-Max pickup truck. The company announced that this new electrified model will make its debut at the Bangkok International Motor Show, scheduled from March 27 to April 7.

This electric iteration of the D-Max has been designed to cater to a wide array of needs, both commercial and personal, without compromising the rugged performance that Isuzu's pickups are known for.

According to Isuzu, the upcoming D-Max BEV (battery electric vehicle) will boast capabilities similar to its diesel variant, especially in terms of towing capacity.

Thanks to its electric motors, engineered to complement the vehicle's sturdy frame and architecture, it will have a maximum towing capacity of 3.5 tons.

The D-Max BEV will be powered by a 66.9 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, enabling the electric motors to produce up to 177 horsepower and 325 Newton-meters of torque, which allows it to achieve speeds exceeding 130 kilometers per hour.

Additionally, the vehicle will feature an all-wheel-drive system equipped with innovative e-axles for both the front and rear, enhancing its acceleration and off-road performance.

Isuzu plans to launch the D-Max BEV in select European markets by 2025, with subsequent releases in the United Kingdom, Australia, Thailand, and other regions, depending on the demand and development of EV charging infrastructure in those areas.

Considering that Headlightmag reported that the D-Max BEV will be produced in Thailand next year for export to markets mentioned above, we're in a good running chance to get the D-Max EV in Malaysia, especially when there's a big push for all things EV here. 

If it comes, it won't be the first pick-up truck EV to hit our streets as that honour belongs to Tenaga's Maxus T90 EV fleet, but it can potentially be the first pick up truck EV to be sold to the masses in Malaysia.

At the previous Japan Mobility Show, Isuzu displayed its commitment to new-energy vehicles by showcasing models such as the Erga EV, Giga Fuel Cell, and Elf EV.

The Erga EV is slated for release in the Japanese market by March of the following year, while the Giga Fuel Cell, a collaboration with Honda initiated in 2020, is known in the Philippines as the C and E Series. The electric version of the Isuzu Elf light-duty truck, set to join the N-Series lineup, marks Isuzu's first venture into mass-produced battery-electric vehicles.

Picture credit: carspiritpk.com

Also Read:  Small engine, big Impact: D-Max on a roll again, smashes its own sales records