Isuzu has built a reputation of being a reliable partner, whether it comes to making passenger vehicles, vehicles for business, or even trucks. While they all have been powered by diesel engines, Isuzu is well aware of the fact that it cannot rely on fossil fuels in the future. As such, Isuzu is poised to showcase a carbon neutral vehicle at the Philippine International Motor Show.
The announcement comes from IPC Executive Vice President, Shojiro Sakoda, during the press conference for the event. "We invite the public to visit the 9th PIMS in October to see what Isuzu has to offer when it comes to EVs," he said in a press statement.
Isuzu has not specifically named which vehicle the brand will be presenting, however, based on their exhibitions in motor shows abroad, we can make educated guesses.
D-Max EV
One possibility could be the D-Max EV. Unveiled at the recent Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), the D-Max EV bears a similar façade but with a closed off grille for better aerodynamics. It is powered by a pair of electric motors on the axles for all-wheel drive, and a 66.9 kWh battery. The truck has 177 PS and 325 Nm of torque. It has a payload capacity of 1,000 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. Isuzu has yet to reveal its range on a full charge. However based on its battery size, it’s safe to assume a range of 200-300-km on one charge.
N-Series EV
Another candidate is the N-Series EV (known as the Elf in other markets). The N-series is one of the country’s top-selling trucks and its electrification will certainly be valuable for companies looking to reduce the carbon footprint of their logistics.
The N-Series EV is built on the Isuzu Modular Architecture and Component Standard (I-MACS) which underpins not just light trucks like the N-series, but is planned to be used for Isuzu’s electrified versions of medium- and large-sized trucks.
The N-Series BEV is powered by a single electric motor, producing 204 horsepower (150 kW) and 370 Nm of torque. This gives the 3.2-ton truck a payload capacity of around 4.3 tons. To improve its agility, the N-Series EV uses a Center Drive System EV. This platform is customizable, allowing customers to choose from two to five battery packs to match transportation requirements. It can have as large as a 100-kWh battery pack, which can be recharged with CCS or Type 2 standards.
Measured approach
This is not the end of Isuzu diesel-powered trucks as the brand will continue to offer them in the coming years. In fact, Isuzu is taking a measured approach to electrification, carefully considering its clients’ needs and the country’s current EV infrastructure.
“For the Philippine market, we recognize the growing interest in electric vehicles, and we are carefully evaluating the best approach to introduce our EV models here. Our primary focus is ensuring that the infrastructure, support systems, and consumer readiness are in place to provide the best customer experience,” said Sakoda.
Besides an EV, Isuzu will also present its current lineup of passenger cars and light trucks. The passenger cars will be available for test drive at the event. Special deals an add-ons also await those who reserve or decide to purchase an Isuzu vehicle during PIMS.