An Electric Isuzu D-Max Pick-Up Truck Is Happening Soon Enough

An all-electric (EV) version of the venerable Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck looks set to become a reality by 2025.

Previously rumoured, an electric version of the Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck looks set to become a reality. The Japanese truckmaker reportedly confirmed this with Australian title Drive.com.au recently, but the same report also indicates that said EV version of the D-Max is still at least two years away from launch.

The electric D-Max, which some suggest might be named ‘E-Max’, will first debut in Norway by 2025. The Japanese firm cites this decision being driven by said market’s status as a world leader in EV sales. Moreover, Isuzu holds roughly half of all pick-up truck sales in said Nordic nation, making it an ideal starting point too.

After Norway, Isuzu reportedly plans to introduce the electric D-Max in Thailand next, perhaps suggesting that either Australia or other nearby neighbouring ASEAN markets will follow suit after. Isuzu didn’t confirm thin plan, stating instead that it will monitor and evaluate reception of other BEV 4x4s launched by rivals.

Isuzu already has EV propulsion tech primed in its signature ELF (N-Series) commercial trucks. The same tech could be adapted into the D-Max pick-up truck and its MU-X SUV twin.

Presently, Isuzu has adopted electric power in its signature ELF commercial trucks range – also known as the N-Series. It includes a base variant that harnesses an electric motor with 201 HP and 370 NM mounted where the combustion engine would normally be. It also drives the rear wheels via traditional driveshaft and differential assembly.

Given that both the D-Max and MU-X share closely-related 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel powerplants, Isuzu could adapt the ELF’s EV powertrain in both 4x4 offerings. The move could see electric motors in place of where their respective turbo-diesels would normally be, and their fuel tanks replaced with battery packs instead too.

Isuzu is initially expected to offer the electrified D-Max and MU-X as rear-wheel-drive (RWD) offerings. It could also potentially allow the D-Max’s low-range transmission and 4x4 driveline to be retained when more variants are added over time.

The EV version of the D-Max could also see itself adopting a new 'E-Max' moniker, but this remains unconfirmed for now.

Despite the viability of this plan to switch from diesel to full-electric power, Isuzu also told Drive.com.au that it is also actively exploring other alternatives. It includes hybrid-electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), as well as hydrogen fuel-cell (FCV) options.

Though no specific timelines were mentioned, the electric D-Max could be revealed sometime in the second half of 2024 ahead of its aforementioned planned 2025 market debut in Norway.

Electrification amongst mid-sized trucks is happening soon, and the electrified D-Max will soon join this bandwagon alongside key rivals from Mitsubishi, and perhaps both Ford and Toyota too.

By then, Isuzu could still find itself behind key competitors in this market space. Rivals Mitsubishi were also previously rumoured to be developing its own EV pick-up truck slated for debut later this year. Other rivals such as Ford and Toyota are already exploring electrification through hybrid powertrain tech too.

Simply put, the next 12 months at least should bear some exciting development in terms of electrified mid-sized pick-up trucks.