Could this be an arch rival for Toyota’s electric Hilux pickup truck before it’s even gone on sale? Isuzu has revealed its new D-Max EV, an e-pickup (that’s not catching on) with a payload of over a tonne. 

Don’t plan on going too far, it only gets a 163-mile range from its 66.9kWh battery, but considering that means the aforementioned 1,060kg payload plus a 3,500kg towing capacity, you’re probably getting a good deal there. 

Especially when you consider that the new Hilux has a smaller battery, smaller range, lower payload rating and can tow less than half the amount the D-Max can. Uh oh.

The D-Max EV has a dual motor setup that means permanent four-wheel drive capability, producing 203hp mostly from the rear axle. It’ll get from 0–62mph in 10.1 seconds and has a top speed of 84mph thanks to its passing acquaintance with aerodynamics. 

And sure, while lots of EVs say that they’ve got four-wheel drive, the D-Max EV backs it up with 210mm ground clearance, a water wading depth of 600mm and impressive approach and departure angles (the size of hills it can drive up and off) of 30.5 and 24.2 degrees. It also comes with a Rough Terrain Mode that will help you negotiate... well, rough terrain.

It gets 11kW AC charging as standard, and 50kW DC ‘rapid’ charging that feels very quaint in today’s market – and especially next to the Toyota Hilux EV that will manage 150kW of charging, the one area where it really does beat the D-Max. Isuzu says it’ll take you an hour to get from 20% to 80% charge, and the warranty on the battery is for an impressive 125,000 miles, which is 767 full batteries.

The Isuzu D-Max starts from £59,995 for the entry level eDL40 model with extended cab that comes with an 8in infotainment display, dual zone aircon, heated seats, plus front and rear parking sensors. 

An extra £1k gets you the same spec but with a double cab, then it’s £62,495 for D-Max EV-Cross model that nets you a variety of upgrades including a 9in infotainment display. Exciting times. 

The new Isuzu D-Max EV is so big that they had to stack two grilles on top of each other to make the front end work