Isuzu, another Japanese automaker, will unveil its first fully electric pickup truck, the D-MAX BEV, later this month. Isuzu President Shinsuke Minami introduced the New D-Max Truck in Bangkok. He said the company is “actively taking efforts to realize a carbon-neutral society.”
Minami further added “Isuzu plans to produce a BEV pickup truck in Thailand,” as Thailand is the largest market for Japanese automakers for pickups and demand for EVs is compounding in the nation after introducing new incentives. But the company plans to introduce D-MAX to over 100 countries and regions, including Europe, Asia, The Middle East and Central and South America.
Recently Toyota has unveiled its first “electrified” version of the best-selling Hilux in December that became the top in demand. As of the January statistics it is shown that Isuzu’s pickup achieved the second best-selling model in Thailand after Toyota’s Hilux. However the Toyota’s pickup still featured a small hybrid system attached to a 2.8L diesel engine.
Isuzu will officially unveil the new D-MAX BEV truck at the Bangkok International Auto Show, starting March 27. That makes Isuzu ahead of Toyota in the electrification process.
Also Isuzu’s new EV pickup is built for” a broad range of commercial and passenger vehicle needs.” The model keeps its rugged exterior design and “tough underlying performance of pickup trucks;” according to Isuzu.
The pickup will also feature a 4WD system with newly developed e-Axles on the front and rear for improved performance on rough terrain. Also Isuzu’s first EV pickup features a “high towing capacity” of over 7,700 lbs and 2,200 lb payload. The eclectic truck is powered by a 66.9 kWh lithium-ion-battery. A 40 kW front and 90 kW rear motor provide up to 130 kW (174 hp).
It is also said that Isuzu’s electric pickup will follow Ford, which delivered its First F-150 Lightning in Norway last month. As both brands plans to launch it’s pickup in the overseas.
