Isuzu starts producing electrified D-Max

MANILA: Isuzu Motors Limited has started mass producing the D-Max’s electrified version.

In a statement, the company shared that the manufacturing of the Isuzu D-Max EV (which was first seen as a prototype at last year’s Bangkok International Motor Show) has commenced in Thailand.

Should Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) decide to bring the marque’s first fully-electric one-ton pick-up truck locally, it will likely take a while before its examples enter the market as the initial production of the model’s left-hand-drive version will be for Europe.

Per IML, the units will be shipped to major European markets in the third quarter of 2025.

On the other hand, the production for its right-hand drive iterations shall take place at the end of the year — with sales expected to start by 2026 in the United Kingdom and will be rolled out to other countries and areas based on market needs.

Below are some bits of information about the Isuzu D-Max EV.

Vehicle specifications

The electrified pick-up truck measures:

Overall dimensions (length, width, height; in millimeters [mm>)	5,280 x 1,870 x 1,810
Wheelbase (in mm)	3,125
Tire tread (front/rear; in mm)	1,570
Minimum turning radius (in meters)	6.1

Additionally, it has a 3,500-kilogram towing capacity, thanks to its robust frame and body design as well as its powerful electric motors that come in a full-time four-wheel-drive system (featuring newly-developed e-Axles). Per Isuzu, this configuration guarantees linear acceleration typical of EVs while reducing noise and vibration.

The mill configuration can deliver the following churns:

• Maximum output: 188 horsepower
• Peak torque: 325 Newton-meters

Such an engine set-up lets the vehicle reach a top speed of over 130 kilometers per hour.

Meanwhile, the Isuzu D-Max EV is fitted with a 66.9 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery that allows the vehicle to cover 263 kilometers (based on Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure).

This power bank can be juiced up 20-80 percent in as fast as one hour using a DC charger (Max 50 kilowatt).

“The Isuzu Group is committed to improving people's lives through the development of various types of carbon-neutral vehicles. Recognizing that customers use pickup trucks for a wide range of applications, the D-MAX EV has been engineered to cater to both commercial and passenger vehicle requirements, while ensuring the rugged performance expected from pickup trucks,” the company noted.

To recall, Isuzu created a new powertrain for both the D-Max and mu-X, which the country has yet to receive.

Set for launch on November 28, the Land of Smiles will soon have the new RZ4F 2.2-liter diesel engine — expected to replace the 1.9-liter RZ4E mill that is still being retailed in the Philippines.

The upcoming model has the capacity to generate up to 121 hp as well as 400 Nm.

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