Isuzu has entered a major development partnership with National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), with eight of the utility provider’s field engineers set to trial the upcoming Isuzu D-Max EV ahead of its launch.

NGED — one of the UK’s largest electricity distribution network operators — will run the electric pickup across its Midlands, South Wales and South West regions. The aim is to push the D-Max EV through the real operational environments it’s designed for: off-road access, remote sites, towing, winching and transporting tools and equipment.

Four years of joint development

The trial is the result of a long-running collaboration between NGED and Isuzu, led by NGED Fleet Technical Specialist Jane Nicholson. Her team has met with Isuzu engineers in Japan and Europe over the last four years, providing detailed feedback on storage needs, payload requirements, converter options and day-to-day functionality for utility work.

Nicholson said the level of involvement has been greater than in any previous EV pilot: “We’ve always trialled EVs before deploying them into the business, but never to this extent. The D-Max EV will have off-road capabilities and the ability to tow and winch, and our engineers have helped shape the features and storage solutions that make the biggest difference to their work.”

NGED operates one of the UK’s largest mixed fleets, including 1,200 electric vehicles split across 400 vans and 800 cars. It has a strong track record of working with manufacturers and converters on bespoke fleet solutions, including previous collaborations with Strongs on all-terrain conversions.

Transport Manager Chris Mayell said the D-Max EV trial goes beyond simply evaluating a new model: “This is a unique chance to shape not just the vehicle, but the way it’s fitted out for the demands of our fieldwork. Ultimately, we hope it will also be another important step in our ambition to have a decarbonised fleet.”

The Isuzu D-Max EV is under field trials with National Grid

Early driver impressions

Two NGED technicians, based in Cornwall and Cardiff, have already sampled the prototype.

Cornwall-based technician David Cassidy highlighted how familiar the D-Max EV feels compared with the diesel trucks in NGED’s fleet: “The vehicle itself feels impressively like our current diesel models, which makes the transition easier. I’m genuinely excited about trialling the EV in daily work.”

Cardiff-based technician Richard Gadd praised the EV’s capability during early off-road evaluation: “It’s been great exploring the 4×4’s abilities on and off-road, seeing the technology that’s gone into it, and connecting sustainability with real-world challenges.”

Professional Pickup has also been behind the wheel of a D-Max EV prototype, and found that the vehicle remains every bit the workhorse you’d expect from the D-Max nameplate.

D-Max EV: Key technical details

The electric D-Max retains the fundamental architecture of the diesel version but introduces a dual-motor, full-time four-wheel-drive system delivering 140kW of power and 325Nm of torque. A 66.9kWh lithium-ion battery provides energy for the system, and gives a range of up to 163 miles form a charge.

The truck has been engineered to match the capabilities expected from a working pickup. Isuzu quotes a 3.5-tonne towing limit, a one-tonne payload, and ground clearance of 210mm, with the chassis also offering a 600mm wading depth and approach and departure angles of 30.5 and 24.2 degrees respectively.

These figures underline Isuzu’s intention to bring a true zero-emission 4×4 pickup to market without compromising load, tow or off-road performance.

Isuzu UK Fleet Sales Manager Mark Hayes said NGED’s feedback will play a vital role as the EV moves into final development: “Their frontline field-engineering expertise is invaluable to ensuring the vehicle is truly fit-for-purpose for utility fleets. Trials like this help us deliver a zero-emission vehicle that performs without compromise.”

Phil Huff
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