Isuzu launching electric D-Max by 2025?

In today's automotive landscape, it seems as if pickup trucks are not the first priority when it comes to adopting electrification. While brands like Ford, Chevy, and Ram have come up with full-sized EV pickups, the same cannot be said in Asia. Or specifically with Japanese brands.

Currently, it's only Toyota that has announced they are building a BEV Hilux, as well as a mild hybrid version that will be offered first. But soon, another Japanese manufacturer could be picking up (no pun intended) the pace in making their own EV truck.

According to a report by Nikkei Asia, Isuzu is planning to launch an all-electric pickup truck, with Norway getting first dibs on the EV. However, with Thailand being a huge market for pickup trucks specifically for Isuzu, the report says the Land of Smiles will get it as early as 2025.

Isuzu's move is apparently intended to preserve their high market share in Thailand, as Chinese brands like BYD, Changan, SAIC Motor, and GWM are stepping up to increase EV demand, though none of them are offering EV trucks just yet.

For now, Isuzu has not made any official announcements or teasers about the upcoming EV pickup truck. But what we do know so far is that it will be based on the D-Max platform. This means the pickup truck rivalry between Toyota and Isuzu is set to continue in the electric age.