Isuzu D-Max BEV: Isuzu takes a bold leap towards electrification

Isuzu D-Max BEV: Isuzu takes a bold leap towards electrification

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‍In the rapidly evolving landscape of electric-assisted vehicles, Isuzu may not currently be a leading name. Yet, it plans to do that when it finally launches its new fully electric version of the popular D-Max bakkie. ‍

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Carrying the D-Max BEV nameplate, the fully electric version will be on display at the 45th Bangkok International Motor Show next week, and according to Isuzu, it has been developed to meet a wide spectrum of commercial and passenger vehicle needs while retaining the tough underlying performance that is highly associated with its bakkies. 

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Isuzu says it will launch the D-Max BEV in select mainland European markets, the UK, Australia, Thailand, and other countries that have the maturity of EV charging infrastructures. 

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In terms of specifications, it packs a 66.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack that feeds power to two electric motors mounted on each axle. A 40kW and 108Nm motor at the front and a 90kW and 217Nm motor at the back for a total power output of 130kW and 325Nm. 

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For reference sake, the regular D-Max with a 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine produces 110kW and 350Nm

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With a top speed of over 130km/h and a full-time 4x4 system, Isuzu says the D-Max BEV bakkie has a maximum payload of 1,000kg and a 3,500kg towing capacity, which, despite this being electric, puts it up against serious ICE-powered rivals in the segment. 

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The announcement of the D-Max BEV comes at a time when Ford and Toyota have recently been testing their fully electric Ranger and Hilux models, but neither are any closer to launching the production-ready versions.

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A report from Australia also states that a hybrid variant of the D-Max will likely debut at the show in the form of a Hi-Lander MHEV, which pairs a 1.9-litre turbodiesel with a mild-hybrid system. This particular model will go head-to-head with the soon-to-be released plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger and the recently launched Toyota Hilux hybrid. 

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While Isuzu hasn’t confirmed the local introduction of the BEV model, it’s the hybrid variant that, in the context of SA, could be particularly beneficial given the country’s ongoing electricity challenges. The sales performance of the D-Max hybrid locally would also be intriguing to observe, especially when compared to its competitors in the bakkie fold. 

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