Isuzu has cancelled plans to bring its electric D-MAX to Australia, despite previously confirming the battery-electric ute for our market.

The decision marks a reversal of Isuzu’s 2024 announcement that the D-MAX EV would be rolled out to Australia as part of its global launch plans. The electric ute is already in production overseas, but Australian buyers will now miss out on the current-generation model.

“While Isuzu remains committed to exploring future electrification opportunities, the decision has been made not to export the BEV D-MAX to Australia at this time due to the need to prioritise products that align with our current customer needs,” Isuzu Motors International Operations said in a statement.

The decision is notable because the D-MAX EV is already in production overseas and was developed as a genuine workhorse rather than an urban-focused electric ute. The production version uses a 66.9kWh lithium-ion battery and dual electric motors producing a combined 140kW and 325Nm.

It has a 3500kg braked towing capacity, 1010kg payload, 210mm of ground clearance and 600mm of wading depth, giving it many of the fundamentals expected of a conventional D-MAX.

The bigger compromise is its claimed 263km WLTP range. DC charging is limited to 50kW, with Isuzu claiming a 20 to 80 per cent charge takes about an hour, while an 11kW AC charge from empty takes around 10 hours. Those figures would present a different proposition in Australia, where D-MAX buyers commonly use their utes for long-distance touring, regional work, towing and remote-area travel. Range can also be affected significantly by load, terrain, weather and towing.

The cancellation means the Australian D-MAX range will remain diesel-only for now. Isuzu is instead continuing with its diesel powertrains, including the newer 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, while maintaining that it will continue to investigate lower-emissions technologies.

The D-MAX EV was previously earmarked for Australia alongside other international markets, making the latest decision a significant change of direction for Isuzu locally. The company hasn’t ruled out an electrified D-MAX in the future, but there is no replacement EV announced for Australia at this stage.

Quick FAQs

Will the Isuzu D-Max EV come to Australia?

No. Isuzu has cancelled plans to export the current D-MAX EV to Australia.

Why was the D-MAX EV cancelled?

Isuzu says the current EV does not align with Australian customer needs.

Is the D-Max EV still sold overseas?

Yes. The electric D-MAX is already in production in Thailand.

How far can the D-Max EV travel?

It has a claimed WLTP range of 263km.

Will Isuzu launch an electric D-MAX in Australia later?

Isuzu has not ruled out future electrification, but has not announced another Australian D-MAX EV.

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