Zero-emission hauler! Isuzu N-Series EV debuts at 2023 Brisbane Truck Show

Isuzu unveiled its first fully electric truck, the N Series EV, at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show.

The new electric vehicle (EV) will be part of the brand’s renowned N Series of light to medium-duty trucks.

Not a lot is known about the upcoming EV. However, reports indicate it will be based on the brand’s next-generation vehicle platform, which had been launched in Japan.

The unveiling comes after several research projects by Isuzu to meet the varied needs of its Australian customers and see if the new EV will fit their diverse applications. 

“The process of specifying and proving the Australian line-up will be a rigorous and comprehensive procedure and it’s something that we’ve been working intensively on for some time as we’ve sought to comprehensively understand how commercial ZEVs can meet our customers’ needs, in line with the available technology and operating parameters," said Isuzu Australia Limited chief of strategy Grant Cooper. 

New underpinnings

While the new EV will be part of the N Series, it gets a new platform to suit its needs better.

It will come with Isuzu’s new modular platform approach known as the Isuzu Modular Architecture and Component Standard (I-MACS), which forms part of Isuzu’s carbon-neutral objectives.

The new I-MACS approach is designed for more efficient components, with the option of upgradability further down the line when newer parts are available. 

“This allows for both internal combustion or diesel powertrains, and zero-emission powertrains, from the same base truck platform,” Cooper said.

However, Cooper added that the model on display at the show will not be the final product as it will only be used to demonstrate what Isuzu is capable of with its new EV technology in terms of its new modular platform. 

The new N Series EV has a dual-battery configuration that will suit Australian needs for cargo transportation and much more.

Depending on the truck's design, it will also have a gross vehicle weight range of 4,500 to 7,500 kilograms. 

Up to 200 km range

As for its batteries, the EV truck is configured with individual 20-kWh modules.

However, there are plans for the Japanese truck maker to offer a three to five-battery pack option with a capacity of 60 to 100 kWh. 

Regarding range, it will have an estimated 150 to 200 kilometers, depending on the target application for the truck. 

The EV N-series is estimated to push out around 370 Nm of torque from its electric motor, with two drive modes Eco and Boost.

Multiple charging options

The new truck EV will also include a fully customizable, including 12-stage regenerative braking package to boost its range further.

The driver can stop the truck with regenerative braking instead of using its regular braking system. 

For charging, the N-Series EV will be available with AC single-phase, AC three-phase, and DC rapid charging options. 

Sales in Australia are expected to start as early as late 2024.

There is no word yet if the new N-Series EV will enter the Philippine market, but it won’t be the first EV truck to arrive as Foton has beaten Isuzu to the punch with their own EV commercial vehicles.

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