Toyota HiLux Revo, Ford Ranger PHEV, LDV eT60 and now the Isuzu D-Max EV? Is this the next electric ute?

Isuzu Ute is working on an all-electric pick-up, likely the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux-rivalling D-Max ute, that could make its way to Australia in the next few years.

Reported by Carscoops, Isuzu President and COO, Shinsuke Minami said Thailand and Europe will be the primary focus of the brand’s first electric car.

“Isuzu is actively making efforts to realise a carbon-neutral society,” he said.

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“Going forward, Isuzu plans to produce a BEV pick-up truck in Thailand. Isuzu will first introduce it in Europe and then examine its gradual rollout by meeting the needs of each market, including Thailand.”

This bodes well for Australia given all D-Max models are produced in Thailand for the local market, as well as the MU-X large SUV.

Scant details are available on the electric D-Max, but clues might be found in the Isuzu Trucks division, which produces light- and heady-duty commercial vehicles separate from the Ute business that looks after D-Max and MU-X.

Isuzu Ute is working on an all-electric pick-up, likely the D-Max ute.

Isuzu Trucks has a N Series NRR electric light truck coming to market in the near future, and makes use of modular battery packs up to 100kWh for a driving range of around 200km.

Given the current N Series trucks and D-Max/MU-X share powertrain commonalities (both use J-series turbo-diesel engines, albeit with modifications), the future D-Max EV could borrow technology from Isuzu’s truck division.

Of course, the N Series NRR is a much larger truck than the D-Max, so expect a longer driving range and improved efficiencies.

The future D-Max EV could borrow technology from Isuzu’s truck division.

Either way, with its Thailand and Europe focus first – two markets with dense traffic where city-focused EVs thrive – expect driving range to be limited.

Just look at the Toyota HiLux Revo concept that is targeted at Thailand’s city streets with a circa-200km driving range.

Likewise, the only other all-electric mid-size ute available is the LDV eT60, which features a driving range of around 330km in Australia.

The all-electric pick up could make its way to Australia in the next few years.

Outside these two models, Ford will also bring a plug-in hybrid version of its Ranger to market in 2025, while Mitsubishi is exploring electric options for its new-generation Triton (which should also affect the next Nissan Navara).

Finally, Kia is promising an electric version of its new ute when it comes to market in the next few years.

Overseas reports claim the electric D-Max could hit showrooms in 2025, meaning electric utes could start arriving in just over 12 months.