The electric ute we've been waiting for? 2025 Isuzu D-Max EV debuts with full-time 4WD and 1000kg payload to rival Ford Ranger PHEV and Toyota HiLux

Isuzu is shaping up as the first of the big three ute brands in Australia – alongside Ford and Toyota – to launch a fully electric ute.

The long-awaited Isuzu D-Max EV is staging its debut in the UK – a fellow right-hand-drive market – as soon as this week ahead of the model’s official launch in February next year.

A local launch date remains unconfirmed for now, although a Isuzu Australia spokesperson confirmed to CarsGuide that future electric models are being reviewed for Australia.

“We are currently unable to comment on specifics relating to future model plans. That said, as part of our due diligence, IUA will continue to monitor the local needs and evaluate the reception of BEVs locally, and work with the factory to provide a product mix to meet Australian consumer needs," said the spokesperson.

"While Isuzu Motors Japan has advised that they’re starting production on an electric pick-up (ute) for European markets in April 2025, we have no further information to share at this point in time.”

On the surface, the electrified D-Max appears to be identical to its turbo-diesel equivalent, riding on the same ladder-frame chassis and carrying all of the same design hallmarks.

Peak under the body, though, and you’ll find twin electric motors – one on each axle – that deliver combined outputs of 130kW/325Nm, a decline of 10kW/125Nm on its higher-grade diesel equivalents.

Power is sourced from a 66.9kWh battery, which is good for a WLTP-rated range of 262km. A max DC charge rate of 50kW will see the battery topped up from 20 to 80 per cent in one hour.

Suffice to say the range figure won’t be anywhere near enough to lure most tradies and 4WD enthusiast, though its 1000kg payload and 3500kg braked-towing capacity could make it appealing to fleet operators as they decarbonise.

Additionally, it boasts 210mm of ground clearance and a water-wading depth of 600mm. Approach and departure angles are listed at 30.5 degrees and 24.2 degrees, respectively.

It also carries permanent four-wheel drive and a dedicated Rough Terrain Mode, while a bespoke de Dion suspension system replaces the leaf springs for more EV-appropriate handling.

Inside, the D-Max EV maintains all the comforts of its diesel sibling with a 9.0-inch multimedia touchscreen that is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, an 8.0-inch digital driver’s display, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and front and rear parking sensors.

Pricing in the UK is yet to be confirmed, though a considerable premium is expected over the D-Max EV’s diesel equivalent, which is sold as the DL40 in the UK or LS-U 4X4 in Australia.

It starts at £36,505 ($76,625) before taxes in the UK, compared to $59,500 before on-road costs in Australia.

If the D-Max EV does eventually land in Australia it will almost certainly be in response to the government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES), which mandate carbon emissions targets for carmakers.

Financial penalties are imposed for each gram of carbon exceeded over the limit per each vehicle sold. To curb the penalties, carmakers can sell more fuel-efficient vehicles to offset their emissions.

Isuzu’s two-variant line-up in Australia only consists of the turbo-diesel D-Max and its MU-X SUV sibling, both of are set to exceed the mandated limits of 180g/km and 117g/km, respectively, for commercial and passenger vehicles from 2026.

The brand has moved to introduce a more fuel-efficient 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine for both models overseas, although it is yet to be confirmed for Australia.

Ford will introduce its plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger PHEV rival by the middle of this year, while Toyota is rumoured to be working on an electrified HiLux.

LDV, meanwhile, will introduce its electric eTerron 9 this year, which is built on the same platform as the incoming turbo-diesel MG U9.

The Coalition has proposed to scrap fines for automakers under the NVES altogether if it wins the federal election.