Isuzu D-Max EV finally breaks cover in the UK
Isuzu has pulled the wraps off its first all-electric pick-up for the UK market, and it’s a bold step into the future for the famously rugged truck. The D-Max EV, due to land on British roads in early 2026, is set to cost from £59,995 before VAT — a premium over the diesel, but aimed squarely at fleets and businesses who want a one-tonne workhorse with zero tailpipe emissions.
Twin motors, 4WD and proper truck credentials
Under the skin, the D-Max EV swaps its usual 1.9-litre diesel lump for a 66.9kWh battery pack and a twin-motor all-wheel-drive system. Combined output is 174bhp and 325lb ft of torque, putting it roughly in the same ballpark as the diesel in terms of grunt.
Isuzu claims it’ll tow up to 3.5 tonnes — just like the diesel — and carry a payload of one tonne in the bed. There’s also a wading depth of 800mm, which should please anyone who likes their job sites muddy and their rivers deep. So it’s still very much a pick-up designed to work, not pose.
Range and charging: built for the daily grind
On paper, the D-Max EV delivers around 163 miles of range from a full charge — plenty for daily site runs and local jobs, though not designed for long-haul adventures. Charging specs haven’t been finalised yet, but expect DC fast-charging capability to be part of the package.
It’s worth noting that Isuzu sees this very much as a commercial vehicle. With most pick-ups used for short hops between sites rather than cross-country road trips, that range will likely suit its intended audience.
How much more than diesel? Quite a bit…
That £59,995 (ex-VAT) starting price means a retail buyer could easily be looking at over £70k on the road, making this one of the most expensive electric pick-ups in the UK when it arrives. For reference, the current D-Max diesel kicks off at just under £30,000 plus VAT, so you’re paying double for the electric drivetrain.
The good news for fleet operators is that the EV qualifies for lower BIK tax rates and should slash running costs. Plus, Isuzu expects the D-Max EV to qualify for whatever government grant replaces the old plug-in van scheme by 2026 — though nothing is confirmed yet.
First deliveries and who it’s for
Order books for the D-Max EV are now open, with the first UK deliveries pencilled in for February 2026. Isuzu says the truck is aimed at local authorities, utilities, construction firms and other commercial buyers looking to future-proof their fleets. It’s also being tested to ensure it meets the same rugged durability standards as the regular D-Max, including towing and off-road work.
Electric pick-ups still niche but growing
The D-Max EV enters a slowly growing field of electric pick-ups in the UK. Right now, you’ve got options like the Maxus T90 EV and the Ford F-150 Lightning (if you import one), but neither quite has the proven workhorse reputation that the D-Max has earned over the years.
So while the price tag is steep, it’s clear Isuzu is betting on brand loyalty, rock-solid engineering, and fleet buyers’ hunger for zero-emissions vehicles to make the D-Max EV a hit when it arrives.
If nothing else, it proves even the toughest trucks are now joining the electric revolution — and still getting the job done.
