Isuzu considering to build a plug-in hybrid D-Max

Isuzu is looking at BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV for its new plug-in hybrid pickup

When it comes to electrified pickup trucks, customers now have plenty of options to choose from. Whether it's the BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid (PHEV), Ford Ranger PHEV, or the all-electric Toyota Hilux, electrification has finally come to the light-duty workhorse.

Isuzu is not too far behind, as they also have D-Max EV, which is already available in some markets, particularly in Europe. They also have a mild-hybrid version of the D-Max being sold in Thailand. However, some customers still want an internal combustion engine while also having the ability to run on electric power over certain distances. With vehicles like the BYD Shark 6 proving that plug-in hybrids can work, it looks like Isuzu could join in that segment as well.

According to a report by Australian publication Drive, Isuzu has named the BYD Shark 6 and the Ford Ranger PHEV as its top rivals for a potential plug-in hybrid version of the D-Max pickup. That's right, Isuzu is currently studying to build a PHEV variant of the D-Max.

According to a company representative who was able to talk with the publication, using hybrid technology is one way of keeping the pickup truck alive amid stricter emission regulations.

“As a company, we are now studying PHEV, so we can't say the plan, but we are considering introducing [it] to D-Max,” said the company representative.

While there's still no prototype of the D-Max PHEV, the plug-in hybrid pickup could be powered by the brand's new 2.2L turbo-diesel engine that's assisted by an electric motor and a battery pack. This would make Isuzu unique since Ford and BYD use a gasoline engine as part of their PHEV system.

Beyond that, Isuzu is also apparently thinking of offering the mu-X with a plug-in hybrid system to make it available in more markets with strict emission regulations. Should that happen, it will be the first pickup-platform vehicle (PPV) in the segment to have a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

For now, however, the company representative can't say for now if they will retain the turbo-diesel engine setup for its PHEVs or if they will switch to gasoline power.

There's no exact timeline yet as to when Isuzu plans to reveal the supposed D-Max (or mu-X) PHEVs. However, there's the possibility of Isuzu launching the plug-in hybrid variants once the next-generation models roll around, which is expected to happen sometime in 2027 or thereabouts.

Would it make sense for Isuzu to build PHEV versions of both the D-Max and mu-X? Let us know in the comments.