A year ago, at the Bangkok International Motor Show, Isuzu revealed its first fully electric pick-up truck, the D-MAX EV. Production had begun at the automaker’s global production hub in Thailand and the first shipments of the zero emissions truck are starting,
With the commencement of deliveries, Isuzu has provided full details of the D-MAX EV which uses the current D-MAX platform re-engineered with a state-of-the-art electric drivetrain. With the model’s strong and proven reputation as a workhorse, the EV variant has been engineered to offer the same durability, power and practicality. Heavy payloads over 1,000 kgs can be handled by the strengthened ladder chassis.
Although EVs have less mechanical components, they generally weigh more than vehicles with combustion engines due to the large and heavy battery pack. In the case of the D-MAX EV, kerb weight is 2,350 kgs, 325 kgs heavier than a D-MAX X-Terrain with a 3-litre turbodiesel engine.
263 kms of range
Powered by a 66.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, the truck is claimed to have a range of 263 kms, optimised with regenerative braking. Dual motors produce a total output of 140 kW (43 kW front/97 kW rear) and 325 Nm of torque (108 Nm front/217 Nm rear) through a full-time 4×4 system. 0 to 100 km/h time is said to be 10.1 seconds, with the top speed of almost 130 km/h.
Charging time from 20% to 80% takes 1 hour with a DC supply of 50 kW, while AC charging takes 10 hours (with maximum of 11 kW) from 0% to 100%. Isuzu gives a battery warranty of 8 years or maximum of 160,000 kms.
Like the regular D-MAX with a petrol or turbodiesel engine, the D-MAX EV can travel over all types of terrain with its generous off-road approach and departure angles (30.5° and 24.2°m respectively). It has a ground clearance of 210 mm and even though it has an electric drivetrain, it can still cross stretches of water up to 600 mm deep.
To improve refinement, there is an all-new de Dion rear suspension, replacing the traditional leafspring set-up, which delivers improved handling. With various other improvements, there is said to be a 10% reduction in cabin noise and vibration levels under full acceleration.
The updated set of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) provides superior safety in the segment and there is a Rough Terrain Mode for extreme off-road capability.
New chapter for Isuzu
“The New Isuzu D-MAX EV represents a major milestone not only for Isuzu but also for the wider commercial vehicle sector. We have engineered a fully electric pick-up that truly performs in real-world working environments, offering the same towing, payload, and all-terrain capability customers expect from the D-MAX. This is a new chapter in the legacy of Isuzu innovation and dependability,” said Yasuhiro Takeuchi, Executive Vice-President of Isuzu Motors International Operations (Thailand).
Will it come to Malaysia?
Isuzu Malaysia has not indicated if it will import the D-MAX EV but if it does, it would not be the first truck in the market with a fully electric drivetrain as JAC has already launched its T9 EV in March 2025. It is likely that some of the other new Chinese brands may also introduce electric pick-up trucks which they already sell in China and some other markets.
Nevertheless, there may be many who will still value the dependability and durability of the D-MAX that has been proven in the Malaysian market since 2005. As in Thailand, the brand has become a trusted one among fleet operators, with the latest generation also appealing to private owners.
Click here to know more about the D-MAX range in Malaysia and where to get a test-drive.
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