Isuzu to unveil 'electrified' D-Max

MANILA: Isuzu Motors Limited is set to unveil its battery electric version of the D-Max.

In a statement, the Japanese automaker said that the pick-up truck’s electrified version — set to be revealed at the upcoming Bangkok International Motor Show on March 27-April 7 — has been “developed to meet a broad-range of commercial and passenger vehicle needs while retaining the tough underlying performance expected of pickup trucks.”

Per Isuzu, the soon-to-be-revealed D-Max BEV (battery electric vehicle) can perform like its diesel-powered counterpart in terms of towing capacity as it comes with electric motors to match the robust frame and body design. Isuzu noted that the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity is at 3.5 tons.

Powered by a 66.9 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery system, the Isuzu D-Max BEV’s electric motors can dish out as much as 177 horses and 325 Newton-meters of oomph — allowing the vehicle to run above 130 kilometers per hour.

It also features a full-time four-wheel-drive system with newly-developed e-axles for the front and rear that offer a linear acceleration feel of a BEV as well as performance on rough roads.

Further, Isuzu shared that the D-Max BEV shall be introduced in select markets in Europe by 2025 and shall be rolled out to the United Kingdom, Australia, Thailand, and other countries based on market needs and the maturity of EV charging infrastructure.

At last year’s Japan Mobility Show, Isuzu showcased its new-energy vehicle lineup made up of the Erga EV, Giga Fuel Cell and Elf EV.

The Isuzu Erga EV will be introduced to the Japan market no later than March next year. Meanwhile, the Giga Fuel Cell (commonly known as the C and E Series in the Philippines) is a product of the partnership forged with Honda from 2020.

Lastly, the electric vehicle iteration of the Isuzu Elf light-duty truck (known locally as the N-Series) is the brand’s premiere mass-produced battery-electric vehicle and is expected to be part of the N-Series lineup soon.

Photos from Isuzu

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