Isuzu has pulled the covers off its first electric pickup, the new D-Max EV, at the 2025 Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, and it’s entirely unremarkable. Instead of an overtly EV-centric design, flash graphics and glowing badges all over the pickup, Isuzu has simply made an electric version. At a glance, you’d never be able to tell, with giveaways limited to some subtle blue detailing and a discreet EV badge on each side.

  • Powertrain: Dual-motor electric, 140kW (190hp), 325Nm torque
  • Drivetrain: Full-time 4WD with Rough Terrain Mode
  • Battery: 66.9kWh lithium-ion, 163-mile WLTP range
  • Charging: 50kW DC (20-80% in 1hr), 11kW AC (full charge in 10hrs)
  • Towing & Payload: 3.5 tonnes towing, 1-tonne+ payload

Despite its subtlety, it marks a significant step for the brand and the broader pickup sector, bringing a zero-emission alternative that doesn’t compromise on load-lugging or off-road ability.

Isuzu D-Max EV rear

Unlike some early electric pickups that prioritise lifestyle over loadspace, the D-Max EV is very much a working vehicle. Built on a strengthened version of the diesel model’s ladder chassis, it features a pair of electric motors – one on each axle – producing a combined 190hp (140kW) and 325Nm of torque. With that setup, it offers full-time four-wheel drive as standard, along with a dedicated Rough Terrain Mode for extreme off-road use.

Despite the addition of a 66.9kWh lithium-ion battery under the floor, the D-Max EV manages to maintain a one-tonne payload and a 3,500kg towing capacity. These figures match the diesel model, making it the first production electric pickup in Europe to hit that combination of benchmark stats.

Acceleration is a respectable 0-62mph in 10.1 seconds, and top speed exceeds 80mph. Range, according to the WLTP cycle, is 163 miles on a full charge, and drivers can top up from 20% to 80% in around an hour using a 50kW DC charger. A full charge via 11kW AC wallbox takes around 10 hours.

Isuzu D-Max EV under bonnet

To improve refinement, Isuzu has swapped out the traditional rear leaf springs in favour of a new De-Dion suspension system, helping reduce cabin noise and vibration by up to 10% under full acceleration. Combined with a kerb weight of 2,350kg, the D-Max EV promises a quieter, smoother ride without losing toughness.

Off-road specs are similarly robust, with 210mm of ground clearance, 600mm of wading depth, and approach/departure angles of 30.5 and 24.2 degrees, respectively. The battery’s underbody placement keeps the centre of gravity low, aiding stability on and off the tarmac.

Cab familiarity

The cabin is also familiar, available in DL40 and V-Cross-equivalent trim levels, with either an extended or double cab.

Standard equipment includes an updated 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a new 7.0-inch digital driver’s display, eight-speaker audio, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, keyless entry and start, and a full suite of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS). The safety kit includes autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition and trailer sway control, among others.

Isuzu D-Max EV cab

Isuzu D-Max EV pricing and availability

The D-Max EV will go on sale in the UK in the second half of 2025, with the first right-hand-drive deliveries expected in February 2026. Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but it’s anticipated to carry a significant premium over the diesel range, which starts from £36,505 plus VAT.

Phil Huff
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