Isuzu to Launch “Pickup EV” in the UK Next Year to Meet European Environmental Regulations
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Isuzu Motors is set to launch an electric vehicle (EV) model of its D-MAX pickup truck (LCV) in the UK as early as 2026.
January 23, 2025 - This move aligns with the British government’s plan to gradually increase the ratio of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) among new commercial and passenger vehicles starting in 2025.
The new model will be manufactured at the Samrong plant in Samut Prakan, Thailand, and exported to the UK. This marks Isuzu’s second EV LCV launch in Europe, following Norway in 2025.
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Isuzu currently sells between 5,000 and 6,000 LCV units per year in the UK and expects to reach 6,100 units by the fiscal year ending March 2025, accounting for about one-third of its total European sales. These vehicles are primarily used by farmers for transporting crops, horses, and other agricultural needs.
The UK’s ZEV regulations require at least 10% of new commercial vehicle sales in 2024 to be either EVs or fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), with this percentage set to increase from 2025 onward. By 2035, the sale of gasoline, diesel, and hybrid (HV) vehicles will be completely banned. Manufacturers failing to comply will face financial penalties.
Isuzu anticipates that different European countries may implement their own environmental policies, prompting the company to explore various powertrain options, including EVs, to adapt swiftly to changing regulations. To support this transition, Isuzu plans to invest approximately 32 billion baht (around 140 billion yen) over the next five years in its Thai production facilities, focusing on the electrification of LCVs.
In March 2024, Isuzu unveiled the world’s first prototype LCV EV in Thailand. It has already developed a left-hand drive EV LCV for the Norwegian market. Looking ahead, the company is working on a right-hand drive model for the UK, which will be introduced after ensuring compliance with local regulations.
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Source: Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun
