The Isuzu D-Max is shown as an electric vehicle and announces its imminent arrival

Pick-ups are making the leap to electric mobility and they are surprising people. Not only do they manage to replicate the characteristics of the diesel-engined variants, but it can be said that they even improve on them. The new generations of these versatile vehicles not only keep the diesel engine: they also include an electric version to carve out a place in the European market. It is in this market that this aspect will be watched most closely, and where the emissions of these models must be examined carefully.

Isuzu sells a pick-up in Europe, and this model has been chosen to become an electric vehicle and arrive in Europe in 2025. This model will debut at the Bangkok Motor Show, in Thailand, in the form of a pre-production variant. It will not be the only variant shown at the event: it will be joined by a diesel version with mild hybridisation, although the latter is unlikely to reach production.

In principle, the structure of the electric pick-up is identical to that of the combustion-engined version. However, the latter has been replaced by two electric motors, one per axle, which provides all-wheel drive so that it can move with total freedom over any type of ground.

The front motor delivers 40 kW, equivalent to 53 CV, with a maximum torque of 108 Nm, while the rear motor delivers considerably more. This one produces 90 kW, that is, 121 CV. In this case, the torque is 217 Nm. Combined, the total power is 130 kW, equivalent to 174 CV.

This makes it even more powerful than the 1.9-litre diesel version that forms the most basic version. To power the two motors, a 66.9 kWh battery has been fitted. The range offered by this battery has not been made public, although it is claimed that the charging and towing characteristics of the combustion version have been maintained.

This means that it will be able to carry up to 1,000 kg and tow up to 3,500 kg. The top speed will be 130 km/h, as range is prioritised over speed.

A more modern look

The exterior of the Isuzu D-Max has been modified to bring it closer to the reality of electric mobility. The front grille has been closed off to improve aerodynamics. Otherwise, no further differences are apparent, apart from new alloy wheels and the EV Concept badge. Being a pre-production vehicle, changes may still be made once it goes onto the assembly line.

For the time being, it does not appear that it will launch across all of Europe; instead, sales will begin in Norway, although it could also be available in countries such as Thailand, the United Kingdom, Australia and other markets as the electric vehicle market matures.

A diesel variant Mild Hybrid

The other version to be presented uses the 1.9-litre engine combined with a 48-volt electrical system. No specifications for this variant have been released, nor is it known whether it will reach the market. Either way, it will be on display and will likely be at the event where more details about this model can be learned.