1 day ago
22
The production version of the electric D-Max has been revealed in Europe with a one-tonne payload and 3500kg towing – and it is heading to Australia.
The 2026 Isuzu D-Max ute has been revealed and will bring a one-tonne payload and 3500kg towing capability when it goes on sale in Australia as soon as 2026.
Beating arch-rivals Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux to showrooms with a battery-electric dual cab model, the Isuzu D-Max EV was revealed with a dual-cab body at the 2025 Commercial Vehicle Show in the United Kingdom (UK).
Right-hand-drive versions of the D-Max EV will be in UK showrooms in 2026, and while Isuzu Trucks Australia has confirmed the battery-electric ute will be sold here, it is yet to confirm local arrival timing.
Local spec and pricing is also yet to be shared, with overseas pricing also yet to be announced.
Like the the D-Max EV Concept shown in 2024, the production model uses a pair of electric motors, one on each axle to enable full-time 4WD.
The front motor makes 43kW/108Nm while the rear makes 97kW/217Nm – for a combined 140kW – and uses a 66.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack for a claimed 263km (WLTP) driving range.
The 4WD system includes regenerative braking to top up the battery and extend driving range, including ‘Eco’ and ‘Rough Terrain’ drive modes.
Fast charging of up to 50kW enables a 20-80 per cent battery recharged in 60 minutes compared to 10 hours for a full charge from zero at the standard 11kW rate.
The D-Max EV weighs 2350kg compared to the heaviest diesel version, the X-Terrain, at 2150kg in Australian trim. Acceleration from 0-100km/h is a claimed 10.1 seconds with a top speed of 128km/h.
While it looks like conventional diesel-powered D-Max models, revised rear suspension sees the leaf-springs – used both in other Isuzu and by rivals such as the Ranger and Hilux – replaced by a coil-spring rear.
This has enabled the D-Max EV to achieve a 3500kg tow rating – the benchmark for dual-cab utes, matching key rivals as well as diesel D-Max – while also offering a one-tonne payload.
The D-Max EV runs 18-inch alloy wheels and has 210mm ground clearance, 600mm water-wading capability and with 30.5-degree approach and 24.2-degree departure angles.
In the UK, two trim levels will be offered, both using the same powertrain with changes largely in the cabin, with the higher-spec getting a larger 9.0-inch infotainment screen but the same 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster across the range.
An electric Toyota HiLux has been confirmed with production beginning by the end of 2025, while Ford has announced plans for an electric mid-size pick-up – which could mean an electric Ranger – to be introduced globally in 2027.
