Isuzu vows to stay in Australia: Plug-in hybrid research revealed, but questions over D-Max EV confirmation
Local Isuzu executives have confirmed research is underway into a D-Max plug-in hybrid BYD Shark 6 fighter while at the same time delivering a conflicting picture of just how signed-off the pure battery electric version of the popular ute is for Australia.
One exec insisted Isuzu Ute Australia remains committed to launching an EV version of the D-Max ute in Australia “in the near future”.
But another rowed that back and also stated if it does get here it could have a different specification from the version that launches in EV-centric Norway this year.
EV, PHEV and mild hybrid are all being investigated by Isuzu as Australia’s new CO2 reduction rules are just months away from starting measurement of brand emissions.
Isuzu has been the poster child for popular brands in Australia threatened by the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard [NVES] because of its two-model CO2-intensive all-diesel line-up and lack of low emission electrified models.
But at last week’s MU-X update media launch, executives from the factory-owned local distributor Isuzu Ute Australia [IUA] were firm in their responses when asked if the NVES threatened its viability.
“We don’t believe so, we think it will be very challenging, it will be challenging for a lot of brands,” said Ben Jaeger, Executive General Manager Sales & Network Development.
“But in saying that with the technology and the R&D Isuzu is currently studying for our market gives us confidence.”
The D-Max EV was confirmed as one of those technologies in 2024, when it was revealed at the Bangkok motor show in Thailand in 2024 as a concept.
Then it boasted a 130kW/325Nm dual motor all-wheel drive system, a 66.9kWh battery pack and just 300km of range unladen.
That’s about half the range of a diesel D-Max, although the EV’s one-tonne payload and 3500kg braked towing capacity was competitive.
Norway was stated as the launch market in 2025 with other markets including Australia to follow soon after “based on market needs and the maturity of EV charging infrastructure”.
That could prove to be an important caveat considering the slowdown in local EV sales and the market’s quick acceptance of hybrid utes such as the BYD Shark 6.
At last week’s launch IUA deputy general manager Sadanori Sugita twice stated the EV would arrive in Australia “in the near future”.
But Jaeger then tried to walk back Sugita’s commitment: “All we can say is that particular powertrain is one that is under study.”
He also clarified the Norwegian spec may not be reflected in Australia, which is potentially good news for any one eying off the short range in particular.
“The vehicle that is going to be released in Norway may not meet our specific requirements,” he said.
“As you know it’s a very different market, different usage, different infrastructure for charging.
“All those sorts of things go into it. It’s a different volume market as well.”
Meanwhile, IUA managing director Junta Matsui confirmed the PHEV without offering details.
“Of course we are talking to Isuzu and that’s one of the options,” Matsui said. “As a future option it’s still open.
“Of course it’s something we need.
“But I’m sorry it’s not something we are able to disclose, our future product plan yet, but of course we are under discussions, under considerations.”
PHEV or range extender plug-in hybrid makes a lot of sense for the ute category and that’s reflected in the success of the Shark 6 and the upcoming launches of the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and the Ford Ranger PHEV.
“All we can say is that particular powertrain is one that is under study.”
“Of course we are talking to Isuzu and that’s one of the options,”
“But I’m sorry it’s not something we are able to disclose, our future product plan yet, but of course we are under discussions, under considerations.”
And all the while they wait and “consider”, the Chinese keep growing market share….