Isuzu has officially entered the electric pickup segment with the unveiling of the 2026 Isuzu D-Max EV, a fully electric version of its popular workhorse. Set to hit European roads in early 2026, the electric D-Max retains the rugged reputation of its diesel sibling while introducing a new electric powertrain designed to meet both fleet and private buyer needs.
The D-Max EV marks a strategic move for Isuzu in a market gradually shifting toward emissions-free mobility, especially in commercial applications. Positioned as the first production electric pickup in Europe with full commercial capabilities, it promises to offer genuine utility without sacrificing environmental responsibility.
Key Takeaways for Buyers
- All-electric Isuzu D-Max launches in Europe in 2026
- Offers up to 3.5 tonnes of towing capacity and 1,000+ kg payload
- Features dual motors, 188 hp, and 4WD with Rough Terrain Mode
- 263 km WLTP range from a 66.9 kWh battery
- UK pricing starts at £59,995 (excluding VAT)
- Comes in Extended and Double Cab body styles
- Retains body-on-frame chassis with upgraded rear suspension
- Fast charging from 20–80% in about 1 hour
Familiar Face, All-New Powertrain
Visually, the Isuzu D-Max EV stays true to the combustion model’s design, avoiding drastic aesthetic changes. Unlike last year’s concept, the production model features a traditional grille layout rather than a blanked-out front. Blue accents, EV-specific badging, and the lack of exhaust outlets are the main exterior clues to its electric identity.
Buyers will choose between eDL40 and eV-Cross trims, available in Extended Cab and Double Cab versions. Standard paint includes Splash White, with other colors like Onyx Black Mica, Mercury Silver Metallic, and Dolomite White Pearl offered depending on the trim. The debut model was shown in a custom “Norwegian Blue” finish with black styling and 18-inch alloys.
Power, Torque, and Towing: Built to Work
The electric D-Max is no lightweight when it comes to performance. Dual electric motors deliver a combined 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS) and 325 Nm (240 lb-ft) of torque, slightly improving on diesel horsepower while sacrificing a bit of torque. A full-time 4WD system is standard, complete with Rough Terrain Mode, ensuring it keeps its off-road credibility.
Acceleration from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) clocks in at 10.1 seconds, with a top speed of 129 km/h (80 mph)—adequate for both rural routes and city deliveries. More importantly, it retains the D-Max’s hallmark capabilities:
- Payload: Over 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs)
- Towing capacity: 3.5 tonnes (7,716 lbs)
- Wading depth: 600 mm (23.6 inches)
- Ground clearance: 210 mm (8.3 inches)
Battery Range, Charging, and Warranty
The D-Max EV uses a 66.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, delivering a WLTP-rated range of 263 km (163 miles). While modest compared to smaller EVs, this figure is competitive for a midsize pickup designed to carry loads and tow trailers.
Charging capabilities include:
- DC fast charging up to 50 kW, enabling 20–80% top-up in about one hour
- Battery warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles (160,900 km)
This makes the D-Max EV a practical option for local businesses, construction fleets, or urban utility services seeking zero-emission solutions without giving up functionality.
Under the Skin: Chassis and Suspension
Beneath the body, the electric D-Max sits on a modified version of Isuzu’s proven ladder-frame chassis. While much remains the same structurally, the rear suspension swaps leaf springs for a De-Dion setup, offering improved ride comfort—especially important for unladen driving conditions or long-distance work routes.
Pricing Breakdown: A Premium for Zero Emissions
The Isuzu D-Max EV is priced at a significant premium over its diesel counterparts. In the UK, pricing starts at £59,995 ($80,800) before VAT—more than double the base diesel D-Max Utility.
| Model Variant | EV Price | Diesel Price |
|---|---|---|
| D-Max DL40 Extended Cab | £59,995 ($80,800) | – |
| D-Max DL40 Double Cab | £60,995 ($82,200) | £36,755 ($49,500) |
| D-Max V-Cross Double Cab | £62,495 ($84,200) | £38,255 ($51,600) |
| D-Max AT35 Double Cab | – | £57,005 ($76,800) |
*Prices exclude VAT
While the electric model carries a £24,000+ premium over the equivalent diesel, Isuzu is targeting government fleets and businesses likely to benefit from emissions exemptions, lower operating costs, and fleet sustainability goals. The vehicle is expected to roll out in other European markets, including Norway, following its UK debut.
A Strategic Step into Europe’s EV Utility Market
With the D-Max EV, Isuzu is joining a select few automakers addressing the commercial EV pickup space in Europe. As electric trucks like the Toyota Hilux EV loom on the horizon, Isuzu is aiming to build early momentum with a product that feels familiar but functions cleaner.
By retaining the core identity of the D-Max—durability, capability, and flexibility—while introducing a cleaner drivetrain, Isuzu is betting on familiarity to ease the transition for longtime diesel customers.
Looking Ahead: Isuzu’s Bold Electric Gamble
The 2026 Isuzu D-Max EV may not look dramatically different, but under the surface, it’s a bold leap for the brand. Designed for real-world commercial use, with range, power, and pricing aligned to utility buyers’ expectations, it signals a confident pivot into the electric era.
For buyers and fleets ready to retire diesel but not utility, the D-Max EV delivers a no-compromise solution with an electric badge and a familiar build. Whether it will reshape the European pickup landscape remains to be seen—but it’s clear that Isuzu’s electric ambitions are grounded in practicality.
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