Europe will be getting an electric Isuzu D-Max pickup ahead of the rest of the world, according to the manufacturer’s president and CEO, Shinsuke Minami.

Speaking at the unveiling of the revised Isuzu D-Max in Thailand, Minami said, “Isuzu is actively taking efforts to realise a carbon-neutral society. Going forward, Isuzu plans to produce a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) pickup truck in Thailand,” before adding: “Isuzu will first introduce it in Europe and then examine its gradual roll out by meeting the needs of each market, including Thailand.”

Professional PIckup understands that the development of the new electric pickup is limited to converting the existing platform to an electric drive, something made easier by the ability to share some components with the N Series electric van that the brand has available in other territories.

Isuzu N series could provide electric power for D-Max in Europe

This would give the D-Max EV an output of 204hp, which is competitive for the sector and up from the 164hp the diesel-powered D-Max produces. The only other electric pickup on sale in the UK currently, the Maxus T90 EV, produces 201hp.

Ssangyong will join the electric pickup market by the end of 2024, while Fisker is contemplating bringing its all-electric Alaska pickup to the UK. While electric versions of the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok are slated, both will come to market with plug-in hybrid technology ahead of full electrification.

More famous electric pickups, such as the Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning, won’t be making it to these shores, although Ford is bringing in limited numbers of its US-centric truck to some European markets.

It’s expected that Norway will see the first deliveries of the electric D-Max, with other countries in Europe to follow.

Phil Huff
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