One has to start getting used to the idea of electrified pickups. There’s the mild-hybrid Toyota Hilux that’s offered in select markets, for example. Coming soon is the plug-in hybrid version of the Ford Ranger, and don’t forget range extender pickups from China and full EV trucks from the US.
Now, we turn our attention to Isuzu who is set to release two different kinds of electrified D-Max models. The first is the MHEV or mild-hybrid electric vehicle, while the second is the full electric version.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
It looks like Mazda’s giving the BT-50 quite the facelift
Welcome back to F1, Toyota
One of those has reached production, and it’s the mild-hybrid D-Max that has come out first. The best part is, the specs have finally been revealed as well.
So, what does the Isuzu D-Max MHEV have to offer? The powertrain is the highlight, of course. It mates the 1.9-liter RZ4E turbodiesel to a 48V system aimed to improve efficiency and emissions. The mild-hybrid system can only be mated to that engine, at least for now. Also, it’s rear-wheel drive only and shifts with a six-speed automatic.
As it’s a mild hybrid, the electric motor and battery does not power any of the wheels. Instead, it can keep auxiliary features such as the air-conditioning on without having the engine running. The electric battery holds 370Wh worth of charge. It wasn’t mentioned how much extra power the mild hybrid system adds, but the 1.9-liter engine makes 148hp and 350Nm of torque.
On the surface, it doesn’t look too different from the standard D-Max. All that’s added is an MHEV sticker on the bed and tailgate. The interior is standard D-Max fare, too, and all that’s added is a battery charging display on the multi-information display.
In Thailand, the price difference between the Isuzu D-Max MHEV over the equivalent non-electrified version is 17,000 Baht. That’s roughly P30,000 at current conversion rates. Given that Isuzu Philippines is dipping its toes into electrification, there might be a good chance of this model coming to the country.
