Isuzu PH will showcase an electric vehicle at PIMS 2024

If you say diesel, chances are Isuzu comes to mind.

For decades, Isuzu has built a reputation -in the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia- as the authority on diesel engines. But with the drive towards electrification, they have been more hesitant than some to move forward with it in the Philippines. We know that for a fact after a rather lively conversation with Tetsuya Fujita, Isuzu Philippines Corporation President.

That will change when the doors of the World Trade Center Manila open on October 24 for the Philippoine International Motor Show (PIMS).

Isuzu has confirmed that they will be showcasing a “carbon neutral vehicle” at the 9th edition of PIMS. The announcement comes from IPC Executive Vice President Shojiro Sakoda during the press conference for the event.

"We invite the public to visit the 9th PIMS in October to see what Isuzu has to offer when it comes to EVs," he said in a press statement.

Isuzu did not confirm any specifics of the “carbon neutral” vehicle (or vehicles) they may be showcasing at PIMS. From what we understand, there are EV versions of the Elf (AKA: N-Series) that could be brought in for the show. These Elf EV models are already available in other markets, particularly in Japan, but we think they are leaning more towards the Isuzu D-Max EV concept that was displayed at the Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) a few months ago.

If it is the D-Max EV, then it will certainly make the show interesting. The model that was shown at BIMS is effectively a current generation D-Max that has had a facelift (with a futuristic and closed off grille), a pair of electric motors on the axles for all-wheel drive, and a 66.9 kWh battery underneath the cabin. The truck has 177 PS and 325 Nm of torque, according to official data.

As to whether they will launch a production model of the vehicle in the Philippines, Sakoda says they are “carefully evaluating the best approach to introduce EV models” as he cited challenges in support systems and infrastructure for EVs like chargers. So while they will showcase an EV, they may not be launching it just yet. Perhaps they could go for the mild-hybrid version 1.9L turbodiesel which was revealed just about a month ago. A mild hybrid could help improve fuel economy, albeit in a more limited manner.