Isuzu is going to launch a fully electric version of the D-Max in Norway in 2025, and it could come to Australia at some point.
The news comes from a Nikkei Asia report, which says a new electric ute/pickup will go into production in Thailand and sold in Norway, at least initially – Norway has very strict emissions targets and one of the highest concentrations of EVs in the world. Market entry in Thailand will apparently follow shortly after.
It’s understood Isuzu will base the electric pickup on the flagship D-Max, however, no further specifications or range figure targets have been uncovered at this point. Driving Enthusiast reached out to Isuzu Australia for comment in terms of any background on the news. The local arm said:
“While Isuzu Motors Japan have advised that they’re planning to introduce an electric pick-up (ute) in Norway in 2025, we have no further information to share at this point in time.”
In terms of any possibilities of an Australian introduction, there is certainly a possibility since the current D-Max for Australia is produced in Thailand as well. The electric version will roll out from the same factory. Isuzu Ute Australia said:
“At this point in time, we are unable to comment on specifics relating to future model plans. That said, as part of our due diligence, IUA will continue to monitor the local needs and evaluate the reception of BEVs LCVs and SUVs introduced by other manufacturers locally, and work with the factory to provide a product mix to meet Australian consumer needs.”
The electric D-Max would compete with the LDV eT60 in Australia, and that’s about it. There are no other fully electric utes on offer at this point. Kia is planning an electric version of its upcoming ute, as far as we know, and Toyota is toying with the idea as previewed last week with a HiLux concept.
For Isuzu Australia, this would be its first electrified (including hybrid and PHEV) passenger vehicle. Up until this point the brand has always represented an old-school approach to heavy-duty capability, equipping its vehicles with a large-capacity diesel engine.
The report says Isuzu will launch the electric ute in Europe and the Middle East further down the track, as global demand for the pickup truck market is expected to grow from US$202b in 2022 to $238b in 2028.
