Isuzu is set to unveil its first battery electric vehicle

Isuzu has revealed the first images of its new electric pickup, the D-MAX BEV.

A prototype of the Isuzu D-MAX one-ton pickup truck is set to make its full public debut at the 45^th Bangkok International Motor Show, which is set to take place from 27 March to 7 April 2024.

The revealed sketches show the Isuzu D-MAX BEV largely adopting the angular and rugged design of the combustion-powered D-Max, although the front grille of the D-MAX BEV has been extensively revised

Isuzu states that the D-MAX BEV has been developed to meet commercial and passenger needs, while still retaining the tough underlying performance which is expected from pickup trucks. 

The vehicle is also set to feature a new all-wheel drive system which makes use of newly developed e-Axles which power both the front and rear wheels of the vehicle. This allows the vehicle to provide excellent performance on rough roads, while offering a linear acceleration. Noise and vibration levels from this new vehicle are also set to be minimised.

The displayed prototype D-MAX BEV will feature a 66.9kWh lithium-ion battery, which allows the vehicle to deliver a total power output of 174bhp. Isuzu reveals that this output comes from a 53bhp electric motor located at its front axle and a 120bhp located at the rear. The vehicle will offer a maximum torque of 325Nm.

The new D-MAX BEV is set to get all-wheel drive thanks to the use of newly developed e-Axles which power both its front and rear wheels

The D-MAX BEV prototype is additionally able to travel at speeds of over 130km/h and has a payload of 1,000kg. 

The vehicle also offers a towing capacity of 3,500kg which is achieved by adopting high-power electric motors and robust frame and body. Isuzu states that these figures place the D-MAX BEV on par with its diesel-powered counterparts.

Isuzu plans to roll out the D-MAX BEV in selected mainland European markets such as Norway in 2025. The vehicle will also be rolled out in various other countries based on market needs and the maturity of EV charging infrastructure. Some of these countries includes the U.K., Australia and Thailand.