Electric Isuzu D-Max to launch in 2025 as Australian, Thai markets turn up heat on electrified commercial vehicles - Report

While Isuzu seems like one of the least likely automakers to go fully electric in the near future, a new report from Nikkei Asia claims an electric D-Max variant will start production as early as 2025.

According to the report, an electric vehicle “based on the company’s D-Max model and made in Thailand” is slated for launch in 2025, and will initially be exported for the EV-hungry Norwegian market. The European launch will shortly be followed by a launch in the Thai domestic market, where Isuzu's light-commercial division calls home.

For some time now, Isuzu has mentioned plans to launch a fully electric light-commercial vehicle as its diesel-focused range faces challenges around the world due to increasingly tight emissions regulations in many of the markets it plays in.

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In fact, in a recent investor report to the Japanese market, Isuzu earmarked an enormous 500 billion yen (5.282 billion AUD) as part of its decarbonisation efforts, specifically for what the brand calls “R&D in new areas different from diesel engine vehicles”. The Japanese commercial giant has also frequently alluded to an electrified version of the D-Max as “coming soon” in its financial reporting, although notes that this may include HEVs (hybrid electric vehicles).

What may have triggered this apparent acceleration of electrified D-Max launch plans though, is the explosion of interest in electric vehicles in Thailand. The South East Asian country where Isuzu’s primary D-Max and MU-X factory is located has seen electric vehicles jump from just one per cent of sales in 2022 to six per cent just in the first half of 2023 (a massive 474 per cent year-on-year boost), mainly lead by passenger EVs from BYD, MG and GWM. As a result, Thailand has become a hub for electric vehicle sales in South East Asia, accounting for 75 per cent of BEV sales in the entire region.

A new report from Nikkei Asia claims an electric D-Max variant will start production as early as 2025.

Isuzu controls some 40.9 per cent of the Thai light-commercial vehicle market, with its D-Max being the number one seller as of the first half of 2023, even eclipsing the ever-popular Toyota HiLux by a narrow margin, but this rise in interest for fully electric models places the brand’s dominance under threat, particularly as MG and GWM have access to electric utes from their Chinese parent companies, while BYD is looking to launch one in the next year.

The pressure is also on from its prime HiLux rival, with Toyota also starting to make a splash about a future fully electric version of its best-selling ute.

An electric vehicle “based on the company’s D-Max model and made in Thailand” is slated for launch in 2025.

For a look at what an electric D-Max might entail, we can take a peek at Isuzu Truck’s Japanese-market Elf EV which launched this year, an electrified version of its long-running light truck series (also known as the N Series in Australia).

This electrified version utilises new underpinnings, which Isuzu calls the I-MACS platform, consisting of a cab-over ladder frame able to be mounted with modular 20kWh battery packs, currently sold in 40kWh or 60kWh variants. It is sold with a single 110kW/370Nm electric motor, roughly equivalent to the smaller of the two current turbo-diesel D-Max engine options, the 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC which produces 110kW/350Nm. This current layout would not suggest a product suitable for the Australian market for anything other than a last-mile delivery vehicle.

For a look at what an electric D-Max might entail, we can take a peek at Isuzu Truck’s Japanese-market Elf EV.

To put the challenge Isuzu faces in perspective, Australia’s only current electric ute is the 2WD LDV eT60, which packs a huge 88.55kWh battery which still only grants it a 330km WLTP-certified range unladen. It was widely criticised upon its release for its limited abilities paired with a tall $92,990 before one-road costs pricetag.

Isuzu’s Australian division told CarsGuide at the launch of the new MU-X that the brand was interested in a multi-solution approach to electrification, and also pointed at Isuzu’s partnership with Honda on developing next-generation hydrogen fuel-cell stacks for use in commercial applications. Hydrogen fuel cells, which ultimately drive the wheels via electric motors, offer a similar weight to current diesel powertrains, but also offer much longer ranges than their battery electric counterparts, making them a promising solution for zero emissions utes and light duty trucks. The challenge for this technology is mainly the rollout of supporting refuelling infrastructure.

For some time now, Isuzu has mentioned plans to launch a fully electric light-commercial vehicle.

Overseas, Isuzu is also investing in larger battery electric and fuel cell versions of its buses, as well as its medium and heavy-duty trucks.

Update 1/9/23 - In a written response to questions about the Nikkei Asia report, Isuzu's Japanese HQ said it would "continue to monitor the local needs and evaluate the reception of BEVs LCVs and SUVs introduced by other manufacturers locally, and work with the factory to provide a product mix to meet Australian consumer needs."

The brand also added: "Isuzu Motors Japan's study also includes research into alternative powertrain options such as HEV, PHEV, and FCEV. The study intends to align the diverse needs of Isuzu customers with the vast line-up of Isuzu products across the markets in which it has a presence in."