DRIVING THOUGHTS

It was good to meet the D-Max EV again last week at the 47th Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS). Standing at the Isuzu booth in the cavernous hall of the Impact Challenge Exhibition Center, the D-Max EV confirmed the message of the hour – electrification is here in all categories of mobility. The D-Max, the handsome pickup truck endeared as a reliable workhorse, leisure companion, and lifestyle partner since the first generation rolled out in 2002, now presents the EV variant.

We first met the D-Max EV at the Sapporo Proving Grounds last October when the world was peaceful and calm, and driving it through the long straights and banked curves brought the meaning of “driving pleasure” into a new plane. One little element was missing, though – the regal roar of the D-Max engine, a purely personal thing that my old world mind relates to engine power. Its absence in the EV variant is nothing related to the the reliable D-Max power under the hood. The D-Max EV presents Isuzu’s readiness to offer alternative powertrain solutions while maintaining the durability and practicality expected from its vehicles.

The D-Max engine’s roar is an endearing quality that boosts confident driving of drivers like me, an old woman always comfortable behind the wheel of a pickup truck.

But that’s getting off our story. Meeting the D-Max EV again at BIMS was especially encouraging at a time when the world is holding its breath in the midst of rising fuel prices and the threat of an oil shortage caused by the US-Israel-Iran War.

The Isuzu D-Max EV represents the brand’s growing role in the global transition toward carbon neutrality. It is the first electric pickup model developed from Isuzu’s Thailand production base for international markets.

I cannot state any clearer what the D-Max EV can deliver as this statement from IPC made after we took it for a test run at the Saporro Proving Grounds: “The Isuzu D-MAX EV is equipped with a dual-motor system that produces a total power output of 130 kW (40 kW front, 90 kW rear) and 325 Nm of torque (108 Nm front, 217 Nm rear). With an acceleration rate of 0–62 mph in just 10.1 seconds and a top speed exceeding 80 mph, the D-MAX EV combines powerful performance with refined control. Drivers can further enhance efficiency with an available Eco Mode and four selectable regenerative braking levels, allowing them to adapt power delivery to different driving situations while maximizing range.

“Powering the D-MAX EV is a robust 66.9 kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers an estimated 263 km of range under the WLTC standard. Charging flexibility is provided through both AC and DC options: up to 11 kW for a full charge in approximately 10 hours, or DC fast charging up to 50 kW that can recharge the battery from 20 percent to 80 percent in just one hour.”

Isuzu’s introduction of electrified vehicle options, alongside continuous advancements in diesel technology, reflects its multi-pathway approach in addressing diverse market conditions and customer needs.

IPC President Mikio Tsukui said bringing a group of motoring media practitioners to the 47th BIMS offered a clearer view of Isuzu’s global direction - not only in terms of future mobility solutions, but also in performance-driven engineering. Pointing out the Isuzu Challenge Racing Truck, which sat at the exhibit booth, “reflects how we continuously challenge ourselves to enhance our core technologies and deliver products that exceed customer expectations.”

“At the same time, developments such as the D-MAX EV continue demonstrate our commitment to supporting the industry’s transition toward more sustainable mobility solutions, while ensuring that we remain responsive to the unique requirements of each market,” Mr. Tsukui said.

IPC said the visit to the 47th Bangkok Motor Show forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen engagement with key opinion leaders while aligning the Philippine market with Isuzu’s global developments.