Electric Isuzu D-Max arrives with a hefty price tag

Isuzu is stepping into the future with its first fully electric pickup, the Isuzu D-Max EV. Arriving in the United Kingdom in early 2026, the new model promises the same capability its diesel-powered sibling is famous for, but with zero tailpipe emissions. Unfortunately, this leap into the world of electric cars comes with a price that will give fleet managers and private owners a bit of a shock.

The biggest number attached to the new D-Max EV isn't its horsepower or towing capacity, but its cost. In the UK, the electric pickup will start at $82,391 before value-added tax. The cheapest diesel D-Max starts at just $38,116. This means the entry-level electric version costs more than double its diesel counterpart. Once you add the 20% VAT, the price climbs to $98,871 - that's BMW i5 eDrive40 Touring level.

For a more direct comparison, when matching the high-spec eDL40 and eV-Cross electric trims against their diesel equivalents, buyers are still looking at a premium of $33,290. That's a huge expense for those considering making the switch to electric.

But for that money, owners get a powertrain engineered for work. The D-Max EV uses two electric motors, one on each axle, to provide full-time four-wheel drive. Together, they produce a combined 188 horsepower, which is a modest 27 hp more than the diesel model. Torque, however, is slightly lower at 240 lb-ft, a decrease of 26 lb-ft.

Despite this, Isuzu promises the truck's core mission remains intact. It has a payload capacity of over 2,200 lb and can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 7,716 lb, figures that are identical to the diesel version and highly competitive in the midsize pickup segment.

When it comes to the "EV" part of the equation, the specifications are practical - not groundbreaking. The truck is fitted with a 66.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. According to the WLTP testing cycle, this provides a driving range of about 163 miles on a full charge. While this figure may seem low compared to many modern electric cars, it is a realistic number for a heavy, boxy commercial vehicle.

The D-Max EV supports DC fast charging at speeds up to 50 kW, allowing the battery to go from 20 to 80 percent in approximately one hour. Isuzu provides peace of mind with an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty on the battery.

Visually, Isuzu went for evolution over revolution. The D-Max EV looks nearly identical to the current diesel models, a choice likely made to appeal to the brand's traditional customer base. The changes are subtle - small blue accents, EV-specific badging, and, of course, the lack of an exhaust pipe.

The charging port is conveniently located behind the flap where the fuel filler would normally be. The truck will be available in both Extended Cab and Double Cab configurations and comes in a range of colors, including a special Dolomite White Pearl for the top-tier V-Cross trim.

Underneath the familiar bodywork, Isuzu made some important changes. The D-Max EV is built on a modified version of the standard truck's ladder-frame chassis. The most important update is at the rear, where the traditional leaf spring suspension has been replaced with a more modern De-Dion setup.

With pre-sales starting in the UK on July 21, 2025, and deliveries starting in February 2026, the Isuzu D-Max EV will be one of the first truly work-focused electric pickups in Europe, setting a new, very expensive benchmark for the segment.

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