Electric Isuzu D-Max ute to borrow motor from commercial truck

In an effort to keep its development costs low, Isuzu’s truck and ute divisions will share major components across their electric models.

The electric ute on the way from Isuzu is expected to share key components with its light commercial truck cousin.

The recently-unveiled electric N Series light commercial vehicle from Isuzu Trucks – badged as the Elf EV in Japan – is powered by an electric motor producing 110kW to 150kW, and 370Nm.

While details of the electric D-Max from Isuzu have yet to be announced – along with its name, which could be badged as the E-Max – Drive has learned the ute will swap its diesel four-cylinder engine for the same electric motor found in the Isuzu N Series electric truck.

As with the current Isuzu D-Max and N Series truck – which essentially share the same family of four-cylinder diesel engines – the electric motor could be detuned due to the ute’s lower weight, while improving its driving range.

The move to share the electric motor is likely to reduce development and manufacturing costs.

MORE: Isuzu Trucks targeting ute buyers with a new model and an electric option

Drive first raised the possibility of the electric D-Max adopting the truck’s electric motor in May 2023, following the public debut of the electric N Series in Brisbane.

However, it appears likely the D-Max will require its own custom battery pack, given the N Series uses large replaceable batteries where the diesel tanks would normally sit.

In October 2023, Isuzu confirmed the electric D-Max would be built in Thailand – the same country where the current diesel-powered ute is built for the Australian market.

However, Norway – where 90 per cent of new cars sold are electric – will be the first market to receive the model, with Thailand to follow.

“We are unable to comment on future powertrain plans for the D-Max, including the suitability of the electric powertrain previewed in the Isuzu Elf EV,” a spokesperson for Isuzu Ute Australia told Drive.

MORE: The age of the E-Max – Electric Isuzu D-Max ute coming in 2025

“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, [Isuzu Ute Australia] will continue to monitor the local needs and evaluate the reception of [electric vehicles] locally, and work with the factory to provide a product mix to meet Australian consumer needs.”

Despite the Isuzu D-Max ute, MU-X SUV, and Isuzu Truck range being developed and manufactured by the same Japanese parent company, in Australia the business divisions importing and distributing the D-Max and MU-X, and truck range are different.

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