Next-Gen Isuzu Elf Truck Now Comes with An EV Option

Isuzu Motors has unveiled the all-new seventh-gen Elf truck in Japan, featuring major upgrades in both the design and safety departments. What’s more important is that the next-gen Elf light-duty truck now comes in a sole all-electric (EV) variant – the first-ever Isuzu model to have so.

In terms of design, the new Elf truck boasts a new front fascia look, adapting a similar grille design found in the D-Max pickup truck. The sharp, vertical headlights are meant to mimic the marque’s twin-bar logo. Apart from that, the all-new Elf still retains the traditional truck look, with no dramatic changes being made to its overall bodywork design.

For the standard diesel spec, the Elf’s 4JZ1 diesel mill is now paired with a newly-designed Isuzu Smooth Intelligent Transmission (ISIM) 9-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT). This setup promises to provide better fuel economy than the model it replaces.

Moving on to the main event, the all-electric Elf can harness up to five battery packs, each rated at 20-kWh. Unfortunately, Isuzu has yet to disclose the exact specs on the Elf EV’s powertrain setup, as well as the claimed maximum travel range.

Apart from other passive safety updates and new comfort amenities, the next-gen Elf truck also comes booted with a slew of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features – first-time ever featured in any Japanese light-duty trucks. Said ADAS features include the pre-collision braking system, blind-spot monitoring system (BSM), as well as the adaptive cruise control (ACC).

As the firm’s first-ever mass-produced EV, the Elf EV truck is intended to accelerate the implementation of commercial EVs for both the Japan domestic market and globally. The seventh-gen Isuzu Elf truck starts at JPY6.48 million (RM213,143), scheduled for delivery beginning later this year.