Fully plugged-in Isuzu D-Max becomes official reality
Assembled in Thailand instead of locally, the D-Max EV is unlikely to debut in South Africa anytime soon as the first of the big three bakkie brands to offer an EV.
Exterior changes from the conventional diesel D-Max are subtle, but easy to spot. Image: Isuzu
Shown as an almost production-ready concept at the Bangkok Motor Show in Thailand last year, Isuzu has used the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham in the United Kingdom to officially unveil the first-ever all-electric D-Max simply called the D-Max EV.
New outside
Only open to orders from the second half of the year, with delivers commencing in March next year, the D-Max EV differs little from its diesel-powered siblings on first glance, as Isuzu will make it available in Extended Cab and double cab bodystyles.
ALSO READ: Isuzu previews D-Max's EV future with pair of electrified concepts
Offered in two trim grades, DL40 and the double cab-only V-Cross, the D-Max EV's visual changes from the combustion engine model consists of a sealed grille, aerodynamically-optimised 18-inch alloy wheels, blue accents, restyled LED headlight clusters and EV badges.
Lack of an exhaust system and a EV badge next to the D-Max logo betrays the D-Max EV's lack of combustion engine motivation. Image: Isuzu
Underneath, the ladder-frame chassis continues, but not the leaf springs for the rear suspension, which depart in favour of a new De Dion setup.
Compared to the regular D-Max, the EV still measures 5 280 mm long, 1 870 mm wide and 1 790 mm tall, with its wheelbase stretching 3 125 mm.
Also unchanged is the 600 mm wading depth, the 210 mm of ground clearance and the 3 500 kg tow rating. The rated approach angle is 30.5°, departure angle 24° and the payload 'over 1 000 kg'.
Inside
Inside, and bar changes to the seven-inch instrument cluster to reflect the electric powertrain, the D-Max EV's cabin remains otherwise unchanged, with specification consisting of the eight or nine-inch infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, leather upholstery, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and front as well as rear parking sensors.
Interior has undergone incremental changes from the normal diesel D-Max. Image: Isuzu
Reserved for the double cab is an eight-speaker sound system versus the Extended Cab's six, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror on the V-Cross, and the Rough Terrain Mode on all grades.
EV in, diesel out
In terms of power, the production D-Max EV retains the same configuration as the concept shown in Thailand, a namely a dual-motor electric setup whereby a 66.9-kWh battery powers a 43kW/108Nm motor at the front, and a 97kW/217Nm unit at the rear.
Combined, the system develops the same 140 kW as the 3.0-litre 4JJ3-TCX turbodiesel engine, but 125 kW less torque at 325 Nm.
Charging outlet now resides behind the 'fuel filler' flap. Image: Isuzu
Limited to 130 km/h, the D-Max EV will still get from 0-100 km/h in 10.1 seconds despite weighing 2 350 kg.
Four-wheel-drive from the start as a result of the electric motors on each axle, the D-Max EV's claimed range is 263 km, with DC charging up to 50 kW being supported.
Using the latter method will require a waiting time of exactly 60 minutes from 20-80%. AC charging up to 11 kW will, however, take 10 hours from 0-100%.
A no-no
Assembled in Thailand rather than at the Struandale Plant in Nelson Mandela Bay where locally sourced models are made, the D-Max EV, for now, appears unlikely for South Africa as a rival for the incoming all-electric Riddara RD6.
NOW READ: Isuzu removes wraps from improved, facelift D-Max
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
5 days ago
- The South African
Amid Scandals and Silence, Rheinmetall Expands in South Africa
Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM), the South African arms manufacturer jointly owned by Germany's Rheinmetall AG and South Africa's state-owned Denel, is expanding again. On June 2, Rheinmetall announced the formation of a new company: Rheinmetall Resonant, following the acquisition of a majority stake in local firm Resonant Holdings. In recent years, RDM has been at the centre of investigations, protests, and legal action over its role in exporting weapons to conflict zones. Much of the backlash stems from findings by Open Secrets, a South African civil society group, which previously documented how RDM-manufactured weapons were used in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Critics argue that when Germany imposed export restrictions on Saudi Arabia over human rights concerns, Rheinmetall turned to its South African subsidiary as a loophole. With South Africa's arms regulations seen as more relaxed and oversight comparatively weaker, the company was able to continue supplying Gulf allies via RDM. This model of using foreign subsidiaries to bypass national restrictions has become a deliberate strategy. A report by Investigate Europe showed how Rheinmetall systematically relies on companies like RDM not just to manufacture weapons, but to build entire ammunition plants abroad often with limited transparency or scrutiny. This practice has raised serious concerns about how little control South African authorities exert over what happens to weapons once they leave the country. That concern surfaced again last year, when a major order of RDM's 155mm artillery shells destined for Poland was reportedly delayed over fears they might ultimately be sent to Ukraine. Although South Africa maintains a formal stance of neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war, the incident raised uncomfortable questions about whether its arms industry is undermining that position. The most politically explosive allegations now involve Israel. Following the outbreak of war in Gaza, activists have warned that South African-made munitions may be reaching Israeli forces indirectly, through NATO or European allies. While there is no confirmed evidence of direct sales to Israel, arms shipped to Germany or Poland could be passed on through defence cooperation agreements. The possibility alone has caused public outrage, especially given that South Africa has filed a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have taken the lead in demanding accountability. Speaking on behalf of the party, Carl Niehaus accused the government of hypocrisy and called for a full inquiry into all RDM exports. He said South Africa cannot condemn Israel on the international stage while indirectly supporting its military through unchecked arms flows. He urged the government to shut down what he called a 'back door' route for weapons. Civil society organisations argue that South Africa's arms control system is outdated and effectively powerless. Once weapons are shipped, they say, authorities rely too heavily on end-user certificates—paper guarantees that mean little in practice, especially during war. Without transparent tracking or independent verification, the entire system rests on trust in a global industry notorious for secrecy and loopholes. Despite mounting concerns, Rheinmetall is tightening its grip on South Africa's defence sector. The launch of Rheinmetall Resonant underscores the company's confidence in using South Africa as a key manufacturing hub. But the expansion comes with no answers to deeper questions: is South Africa becoming a passive accomplice to foreign wars it publicly opposes? And who, exactly, is watching? As factories continue operating and new contracts are signed, the South African public is still waiting for clarity. According to a recent report by IOL, the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) has yet to respond to formal requests from the EFF for an investigation into RDM's factory and the potential routes its shells may be taking. The silence, critics argue, is only deepening the trust gap.
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
UK backs Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara in strategic shift
The United Kingdom has formally endorsed Morocco's 2007 autonomy plan for Western Sahara as the most credible path towards resolving the long-standing territorial dispute, marking a significant diplomatic development during the 5th session of the Morocco-UK Strategic Dialogue held in Rabat. In a statement delivered on Saturday, UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, David Lammy, declared that London views the Moroccan autonomy initiative as 'the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis for a lasting settlement' to the Sahara conflict. The announcement, made alongside Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, was enshrined in a joint communiqué signed by both ministers. This endorsement signals a deepening of UK-Moroccan ties and aligns Britain more closely with a growing international consensus that sees Morocco's plan as a realistic path forward. The plan, first proposed by Morocco in 2007, offers the disputed territory of Western Sahara a form of self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty, while stopping short of full independence — a key sticking point with the Polisario Front, which seeks an independence referendum. The communiqué praised the 'positive momentum' initiated under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and acknowledged the centrality of the Sahara issue to Morocco's national interest. It also emphasised that a resolution to the conflict would bolster regional stability and integration across North Africa. 'The United Kingdom recognises the importance of a political solution to this issue, one that contributes to peace, stability, and development across the region,' the communiqué noted, adding that such a solution would give 'fresh impetus to regional cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties.' Lammy underscored the UK's commitment to actively support the UN-led political process, including the efforts of Staffan de Mistura, the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Western Sahara. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the UK pledged to contribute constructively to diplomatic efforts aimed at finding a consensual political settlement acceptable to all parties. In a significant economic gesture, the UK also reiterated its intention to support Morocco's development efforts in the Saharan provinces through UK Export Finance. This includes a readiness to mobilise part of a broader £5 billion commitment for new projects throughout Morocco, reinforcing London's view of the North African kingdom as a key partner and gateway to the African continent. The UK's declaration of support adds to a series of recent recognitions of the Moroccan autonomy plan by major global and regional powers. Observers view the move as a reflection of shifting geopolitical dynamics in North Africa, where stability and development are increasingly seen as intertwined with a resolution of the decades-long Western Sahara dispute. For Rabat, the UK's position marks another diplomatic win in its campaign to garner broader international backing for its autonomy initiative — a strategy that appears to be gaining ground in multilateral forums and bilateral partnerships alike.
IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
UK backs Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara in strategic shift
The United Kingdom has formally endorsed Morocco's 2007 autonomy plan for Western Sahara as the most credible path towards resolving the long-standing territorial dispute, marking a significant diplomatic development during the 5th session of the Morocco-UK Strategic Dialogue held in Rabat. In a statement delivered on Saturday, UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, David Lammy, declared that London views the Moroccan autonomy initiative as 'the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis for a lasting settlement' to the Sahara conflict. The announcement, made alongside Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, was enshrined in a joint communiqué signed by both ministers. This endorsement signals a deepening of UK-Moroccan ties and aligns Britain more closely with a growing international consensus that sees Morocco's plan as a realistic path forward. The plan, first proposed by Morocco in 2007, offers the disputed territory of Western Sahara a form of self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty, while stopping short of full independence — a key sticking point with the Polisario Front, which seeks an independence referendum. The communiqué praised the 'positive momentum' initiated under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and acknowledged the centrality of the Sahara issue to Morocco's national interest. It also emphasised that a resolution to the conflict would bolster regional stability and integration across North Africa. 'The United Kingdom recognises the importance of a political solution to this issue, one that contributes to peace, stability, and development across the region,' the communiqué noted, adding that such a solution would give 'fresh impetus to regional cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties.' Lammy underscored the UK's commitment to actively support the UN-led political process, including the efforts of Staffan de Mistura, the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Western Sahara. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the UK pledged to contribute constructively to diplomatic efforts aimed at finding a consensual political settlement acceptable to all parties. In a significant economic gesture, the UK also reiterated its intention to support Morocco's development efforts in the Saharan provinces through UK Export Finance. This includes a readiness to mobilise part of a broader £5 billion commitment for new projects throughout Morocco, reinforcing London's view of the North African kingdom as a key partner and gateway to the African continent. The UK's declaration of support adds to a series of recent recognitions of the Moroccan autonomy plan by major global and regional powers. Observers view the move as a reflection of shifting geopolitical dynamics in North Africa, where stability and development are increasingly seen as intertwined with a resolution of the decades-long Western Sahara dispute. For Rabat, the UK's position marks another diplomatic win in its campaign to garner broader international backing for its autonomy initiative — a strategy that appears to be gaining ground in multilateral forums and bilateral partnerships alike.
