Will The Next Generation Isuzu D-Max Adopt Electric Power?

2023MY Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain.

Following in the footsteps of rivals Toyota and Mitsubishi, it looks like Isuzu could adopt electric power for the next generation D-Max mid-size pick-up truck. This was hinted by Isuzu Trucks Australia to Drive.com.au following the Brisbane Truck Show held last week in said continent.

Separate from the entity responsible for distributing and selling both the D-Max and its enclosed MU-X SUV twin down under, said division took centre stage at the show with its first all-electric model in the form of an option for its new generation N Series light-duty truck model – also known as the Isuzu Elf Series in Japan.

During said Brisbane show, Isuzu revealed that the motor primed in said model is capable of outputting between 110 kW ( 148 HP) and 150 kW (201 HP), and a peak torque figure of 370 NM. Mounted behind the truck’s cab, it powers the rear wheels via a traditional driveshaft and differential assembly too.

Newer '4JJ3' unit from the refreshed 2023MY Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, which is loosely similar to the '4JJ1' unit it replaced, the latter being shared between the D-Max and Elf/N Series.

Besides their shared badges, both the Elf and D-Max also share a closely-related 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel mill – codenamed ‘4JJ1’. This mill can be found is past iterations of the D-Max and MU-X (2006-2020) before a newer ‘4JJ3’ unit succeeded it – the same powering the recently refreshed D-Max X-Terrain.

Given both shares similar diesel hearts, the electric tech previewed in the new N Series could also be applied in future versions of the D-Max should the marque opt to have its popular mid-sized pick-up truck available with the option of battery electric power.

Though executives from both Isuzu’s truck and ute divisions said an EV version of the D-Max is not currently in development, they did acknowledge that the idea is technically possible by using the truck division's electric tech. However, there are numerous challenges to overcome to make this a reality.

New generation Isuzu Elf/N Series adopts a novel and somewhat 'modular' 20 kWh battery pack that resembles the shape and size of the combustion model's fuel tank.

Battery size and design is the first of which, and adapting the N Series EV truck’s unit will require a full redesign and rethink. Presently, said truck features a 20 kWh unit that resembles the shape and size of the fuel tank found in its combustion-powered version – it isn’t slim or wide as most regular EV batteries are.

Also, this N Series EV truck drivetrain’s relatively ‘low’ power and torque figures are no match against the 3,0-litre 4-cyl turbodiesel mill’s numbers too, the latter peaking at 140 kW (188 HP or 190 PS) and 450 NM in the current D-Max X-Terrain. There is a modest power bump, but the torque deficit is hard to ignore.

Another challenge lies in price which, typical of most EVs today, will likely see such a model command a serious premium. Much of the price difference will stem from the costs of raw materials to produce an EV battery, which in turn could continue to increase as demands for lithium begins to overtake supply.

Should Isuzu pursue development of an EV variant of the D-Max mid-sized pick-up truck using tech from the
N Series/Elf?

Nevertheless, the thought of seeing an electric-powered Isuzu D-Max alternative against the Hilux Revo BEV concept, as well as the upcoming new and still unnamed Mitsubishi EV pick-up truck model, has got us excited enough.

What do you folks think? Should Isuzu pursue the idea and develop an EV version of the D-Max since they somewhat have the tech to begin with already via its N Series/Elf EV light-duty truck? Hit the comments below with your thoughts.