Isuzu D-Max EV brings 163-mile range for £59,995

The new Isuzu D-Max EV will be priced from £59,995 (excluding VAT) when it arrives in UK showrooms next February.

The Japanese brand's first EV – and one of the UK's first electric pick-up trucks – swaps the existing D-Max's diesel engine for a pair of electric motors. 

One is mounted on each axle, giving combined outputs of 188bhp and 240lb ft of torque for a 0-62mph time of 10.1sec and a top speed north of 80mph.

Power is supplied by a 66.9kWh battery under the floor, which is good for a WLTP range of 163 miles and can be charged at speeds of up to 50kW for a 20-80% top-up time of one hour.

Importantly, the battery doesn't have a drastic impact on the D-Max's off-road ability, with the EV claiming 210mm of ground clearance and a wading depth of 600mm. It has approach and departure angles of 30.5deg and 24.2deg.

In addition to permanent four-wheel drive, the D-Max EV has a dedicated Rough Terrain Mode for "extreme off-road capability".

While it uses the same ladder chassis as the existing truck, Isuzu has fitted a bespoke de Dion rear suspension system in place of the leaf springs for improved handling.

Just as important is the fact that the EV is rated to carry more than 1000kg in its loadbed and can tow up to 3500kg - although Isuzu has yet to say what impact this will have on the range. The D-Max EV weighs 2350kg at the kerb.

Otherwise, the D-Max EV is largely identical to the diesel D-Max, inside and out - down to the kit list, which includes a touchscreen infotainment screen with smartphone mirroring, a digital driver's display, dual-zone climate control, parking sensors front and rear and heated front seats.