Isuzu’s upcoming electric pickup, the D-Max EV, is making waves before even hitting Australian shores — and not just for its specs.
Early pricing released for the UK market suggests that Australian buyers may face a hefty price tag exceeding $100,000, placing it among the most expensive utes available.
The Isuzu D-Max EV was officially unveiled in April and is scheduled to launch first in Norway later this year, followed by the UK and Thailand in early 2026.
While Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) has yet to confirm its local pricing or arrival date, comparisons with the UK market give an early indication of what to expect.
In the UK, the high-end D-Max eV-Cross carries a price tag of £62,495 (excluding VAT), a substantial premium of £20,095 over its diesel variant.
If this pricing pattern translates to Australia, where the top-spec diesel D-Max X-Terrain is priced around AUD 70,500 (before on-road costs), the EV version could hit an estimated AUD 108,000 or more. Even entry-level dual-cab EV models might cross the AUD 90,000 mark.
This anticipated pricing arrives at a crucial juncture for IUA. With the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) now imposing fines for CO₂ emissions above set limits from July 1, 2025, electrified alternatives are critical for compliance.
The emissions cap for heavy vehicles will drop significantly — from 210g/km in 2025 to 110g/km by 2029 — making low-emission utes a strategic necessity.
The D-Max EV is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivering 140kW and 325Nm — mirroring the power output of the diesel version but offering less torque.
It boasts a 66.9kWh battery pack enabling a WLTP range of 263km, alongside a towing capacity of 3500kg and a 1000kg payload. Fast charging (20–80%) is supported at up to 50kW in about an hour, while AC home charging takes around 10 hours.
Design-wise, it remains largely faithful to the diesel D-Max, with EV-specific elements like blue grille accents and distinctive badging. Inside, buyers will find a 9-inch infotainment system with smartphone integration, a 7-inch digital display, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats.
Isuzu has confirmed that the D-Max EV will arrive in Australia “in the near future.” However, firm launch details are on hold as the company evaluates NVES-related strategies and works closely with Isuzu Japan to ensure compliance across its lineup.