The Isuzu D-Max is by far one of our personal favourite pickup trucks, and we have driven quite a variety of them in the past, from arctic adventure trucks to camper variants, and everything in between. If it’s missing anything, especially in this day and age, it’d be some form of electric assistance. Of course, it’s a lot harder to pull off electrification in a commercial work truck and still retain its uncompromising durability, high towing capacity, and equally high payload. But, alas, at long last, it looks like Isuzu has finally figured it out, with Isuzu UK pulling the covers off the new Isuzu D-Max EV – Europe’s first fully-electric production commercial pickup truck!
As you might expect, the biggest change is under the hood, where you won’t find the D-Max’s signature turbo-diesel engine, but rather, it’s been swapped out for a dual motor setup. You’re getting a 43 kW motor at the front, and a 97 kW motor at the back, for a combined 140 kW of power and 352 Nm of torque. Best of all, they’re paired to offer you full-time 4-wheel drive, in addition to their above-average performance, with a 0-62 mph sprint taking a mere 10.1 seconds, and onto a top speed of over 80 mph. This is mostly in line with most diesel trucks, but instead of a gruff diesel, you now have the smooth, silent, punchy power delivery of an electric motor.
The Same Old D-Max, But Now Electrified
Supplying all those electrons is a 66.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with a fairly modest WLTP range of approximately 263 km. That ought to be more than enough for most day-to-day fleet runs, or even driving around between regional job sites on a single full charge. If you are using it like a trusty old work truck, you can even top it up overnight at the fleet depot, with an 11 kW AC charger filling up the Isuzu D-Max EV’s battery in around 10 hours. Alternatively, if you have to speedily juice it up with a roadside charger during a midday site break, the new Isuzu D-Max EV would only take an hour to charge using a 50 kW DC fast-charger, so it’s not a long wait.
Yet, despite all this electrification, you might not even notice any compromises in capability or toughness compared to the Isuzu D-Max EV’s diesel sibling! You’re still getting over 1,000 kg in payload capacity and up to 3.5 tonnes in towing capacity, just like its diesel brother. On top of that, the new D-Max EV is still built atop a reinforced ladder frame chassis, made for towing or hauling heavy loads. There’s also a new De-Dion rear suspension, replacing the old leaf springs, which should offer you improved handling, comfort, and reduced NVH levels. Moreover, with a water-wading depth of 600 mm and 210 mm ground clearance, it’s properly off-road-capable!
Capable Payload, Towing, & Off-Roading
Depending on what you’re looking for, the all-new Isuzu D-Max EV could be spec’d either as an Extended Cab or a Double Cab, and offered in two trim levels, both corresponding to the DL40 and V-Cross models that you could configure today. On that note, you do get a bit more luxury and goodies in the higher, V-Cross-equivalent trim level. For example, you get a bigger 9-inch infotainment system instead of the entry-level 8-inch unit, though both models come with the same 7-inch digital gauge cluster. Otherwise, the top-of-the-line model features an 8-speaker set-up, more leather, heated seats all-around, parking sensors, and even more perks besides.
For all you eco-conscious blue-collar workers and SMEs out there, the new Isuzu D-Max EV is a hugely capable work truck, and it can help you transition more easily into your zero-emissions goals, without compromises. With tightening urban access and clean air zone regulations, the D-Max EV is a pleasantly accessible ticket to meeting compliance. Plus, it might even save you a penny or two, with multi-level brake regeneration and its special Eco Mode to eke out a few extra kilometres of range, with Isuzu’s 8-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty for that added peace of mind. Better yet, this new Isuzu D-Max EV will arrive in the UK soon, in February 2026.
