Confirmed? Isuzu D-Max EV coming to PH

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to test drive the D-Max EV at the Isuzu Hokkaido Proving Grounds. This marks the first time Isuzu has invited Philippine media delegates to the testing grounds where every Isuzu vehicle (truck or passenger vehicle) is put through the paces before they’re shipped out to global markets.

Since Isuzu invited us to test drive the electric D-Max, this had us wondering if they actually plan on offering the EV to the Philippines. But before we can even ask the question, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) officially confirmed with us that the D-Max EV is indeed coming to the country.

That’s right, the diesel specialist will offer the D-Max EV in the future for Filipino buyers. In fact, production of the left-hand drive (LHD) Isuzu D-Max EV already started earlier this year, with Europe being the first market to receive it. There’s no official timeline yet regarding the D-Max EV’s arrival in the Philippines, but an insider did share with us that it will be arriving soon.

“This is the first time that members of the Philippine motoring media were given the opportunity to test drive the Isuzu D-Max EV in Japan. We believe it is a meaningful experience for them to witness firsthand the capabilities and innovations that Isuzu has developed,” said Mikio Tsukui, president of IPC.

As mentioned before, the D-Max EV will have a dual-motor system that gives the pickup truck full-time 4x4. The result is a combined system output of 130 kW (or 177 PS) along with 325 Nm of torque. Despite not having the 450 Nm of torque from the 3.0L 4JJ3-TCX, the D-Max EV delivers instantaneous power. Isuzu says this allows the D-Max EV to go from 0 - 100 km/h in just over 10 seconds and reach a top speed of over 130 km/h.

The dual electric motors get their power from a 66.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which gives it a range of 263 km based on the WLTC cycle. It also benefits from regenerative braking that has four modes that allow the system to gather energy while braking or coasting. The D-Max EV supports both AC and DC fast charging, with the former supporting 11 kW, which can recharge the pickup from 0% to 100% in 10 hours. Hook it up to a 50 kW DC fast charger, and it can recharge the D-Max EV from 20% to 80% just an hour.

Despite not having a turbo-diesel under the hood, the D-Max EV has a maximum payload capacity of over 1,000 kg and a towing capacity of 3.5 tons. It also has 210mm of ground clearance and up to 600mm of water wading capability.

“The D-Max EV represents Isuzu’s commitment to delivering vehicles that are not only powerful and durable, but also environmentally responsible. As we continue to move toward carbon neutrality, we are exploring how this model can fit the needs of our Philippine customers—balancing performance, sustainability, and the dependability that Isuzu is known for,” added Tsukui.

With electrification gaining popularity in the Philippines, alongside the expansion of the charging network, the Isuzu D-Max EV will present itself as an alternative to traditional internal combustion, while still delivering pickup truck capabilities. 

The only questions now are, can it go up against plug-in hybrid pickups, and just how much will IPC price the D-max EV?