Production-Ready Isuzu D-Max EV Revealed – Dual-Motor, 66.9 kWh Battery, 263 KM Range

This week, Isuzu showed off the production-bound version of its new and all-electric D-Max EV pick-up truck.

Japanese automaker Isuzu revealed the Isuzu D-Max EV pick-up truck in production form earlier this week. This electric-powered version of the brand’s evergreen – and best-selling – pick-up truck offering is set to enter markets worldwide later this year.

Presently, production of the D-Max EV in left-hand-drive (LHD) form for Europe has begun, with shipments for which slated to commence starting in the third quarter (Q3) of this year. As for right-hand-drive (RHD) versions, shipments to the UK will reportedly commence first early next year.

As for sales in other markets and regions, Isuzu says these will receive the D-Max EV “based on market needs.” Locally, Isuzu Malaysia, which recently appointed its new CEO, has yet to confirm plans to introduce this battery electric (BEV) version of the D-Max.

Clearly, with slowed diesel pick-up truck sales, especially in Peninsular Malaysia, due to the recent rationalisation of diesel fuel subsidies, the D-Max EV arguably stands as a viable alternative truck for many urban small and medium-sized enterprises and businesses.

Visually, the D-Max EV stands apart form its diesel twins thanks to blue accents in its grille and headlights, as well as the EV badge in its tailgate.

While it may look similar, the D-Max EV pictured is a very different machine underneath from the regular diesel-powered versions. Visually though, this EV variant gains a unique set of blue accents in its grille. Similarly, the (presumably) all-LED headlights also feature unique blue contrast inserts.

As for size, the D-Max EV has similar dimensions as its combustion (ICE) twin, though it sits slightly longer at 5,280 MM (+15 MM). Otherwise, the 3,125 MM wheelbase, 1,870 MM width, 1,810 MM height with roof rails, and both the 1,570 MM front and rear track widths, are shared.

As for rolling stock, the Isuzu D-Max EV rolls on a set of 18-inch wheels, and each are shod in 265/60-profile tyres.

One key difference in the chassis is the EV version's adoption of De Dion rear suspension assembly instead of leaf-springs. Additionally, this EV version also boasts off-road driving abilities.

Whilst here, it’s worth noting that the Isuzu D-Max EV’s chassis gains a different De Dion rear suspension setup instead of traditional leaf-springs. This, according to Isuzu, was done to improve handling and drive dynamics.

With a reported claimed kerb weight of 2,350 KG, the Isuzu D-Max EV is a fair bit heftier over its ICE-powered twin. That’s because underneath, it packs Isuzu’s newly developed e-motor (‘drive units’) mounted over each axle, making it a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup.

Both units are juiced by a single 66.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Individually, said e-motors output 58 PS (43 kW) and 108 NM up front, and 132 PS (97 kW) and 217 NM at the rear. Combined, there’s 190 PS (140 kW) and 325 NM available.

The setup sees 0-100 KM/H sprints despatched in 10.1 secs whilst enroute towards a claimed V-Max of ‘over 130 KM/H’. As for range, Isuzu touts as high as 361 KM under WLTP City test cycles. Otherwise, combined WLTP test cycles sees this BEV pick-up truck yield 263 KM.

Underneath, the D-Max EV packs a dual-motor, AWD setup juiced by a 66.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The latter also accepts 50 kW DC charging inputs.

As for charging, the D-Max EV accepts 11 KW AC inputs, and this sees full re-charges (0-100%) attained in 10 hours. There’s also the ability to draw in 50 kW DC charging inputs, and this sees 20-80% re-charges attained in about an hour.

As far as pick-up truck abilities go, the D-Max EV is comparable to its ICE-powered twin, evident via its claimed 1,010 KG payload and 3,500 KG max towing load.

As for off-roading abilities, this electrified D-Max is capable of tackling terrains still thanks to its 210 MM ground clearance, approach and departure angles of 30.5 degrees and 24.2 degrees respectively, water wading depth of up to 600 MM, as well as a 6.1-metre turning radius.

No word yet of Malaysia will get the D-Max EV, but it's poised to a promising alternative if it does make landfall.

Isuzu gave no indication of price figures, but many widely speculate that the Isuzu D-Max EV could command a price tag somewhere in the middle of the range – more than the base single-cab variants, but less than premium guises like the X-Terrain.

Given what we just detailed, would you prefer this electrified pick-up truck over any of its turbo-diesel twins? Share your take in the comments below then…