The Isuzu D-Max Electric could cost more than $100,000 when it arrives in Australia, representing about a $30,000 premium over equivalent diesel models. Before you feel sticker shock, let’s break down what’s driving this pricing and whether it makes sense for your needs.
What We Know About the D-Max Electric So Far
The D-Max EV combines a front axle-mounted electric motor producing 43kW/108Nm with a rear motor delivering 97kW/217Nm to offer a combined total of 140kW/325Nm, matching the D-Max’s 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel for power but falling 125Nm short. This dual-motor setup gives you permanent four-wheel drive, which is actually quite impressive for an electric ute.
The electric version comes with a 66.9kWh under-floor battery that can be DC fast-charged at up to 50kW and is claimed to offer 20-80 percent charging in one hour, with 11kW AC home charging providing a 0-100 percent charge in 10 hours. However, the range might give some pause – the D-Max EV offers a claimed range of just 263km under the European WLTP test cycle.
Putting That $100K+ Price in Perspective
Right now, the 2025 diesel D-Max ranges from $32,700 for the basic SX model to $78,900 for the top-spec Blade variant. When you consider that the electric version could potentially hit the six-figure mark, we’re talking about a significant jump from even the most expensive current model.
This pricing isn’t entirely surprising when you look at Australia’s electric ute landscape. Australia’s first electric ute was the LDV eT60, which was initially launched at $92,990 before on-road costs in late 2022, though it has attracted just 117 sales to June 2025. The difference is that the eT60 was rear-wheel drive only, while the D-Max Electric offers proper four-wheel drive capability.
What’s Driving These High Prices?
Several factors are pushing electric ute prices skyward in Australia. First, there’s the obvious technology cost – electric drivetrains, especially dual-motor setups, are expensive to manufacture. The battery pack alone represents a significant portion of the vehicle’s cost.
More importantly for Australian buyers, the D-Max EV will be a critical vehicle for Isuzu Ute Australia, where its only two existing models – the diesel-powered D-Max ute and the related MU-X large SUV – will be hit with increasing CO2-related financial penalties under the federal government’s New vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) from this month.
This regulatory pressure means manufacturers need electric options to avoid hefty penalties, but the limited production volumes for electric utes mean higher per-unit costs. Unlike electric cars where economies of scale are starting to kick in, electric utes are still very much a niche market globally.
How Does It Stack Up Against Competitors?
The competitive landscape for electric utes in Australia is still forming. Electric versions are expected of the top-selling Ranger, the next-generation Toyota HiLux due in 2026, and the all-new Kia Tasman that launches this month.
For comparison, the eTerron 9 will bring 430km of range (WLTP), a power output of 325kW and the same 3.5-tonne tow rating. This shows that while the D-Max Electric matches its diesel siblings for towing capacity, it’s not leading the pack in terms of range or power output.
What You Get for Your Money
Despite the high price, the D-Max Electric does maintain the practical capabilities that make the diesel version popular. It will match its diesel equivalent/s with a 1000kg payload and 3500kg towing capacity, as well as similar off-road credentials. That means if you’re using your ute for serious work or recreation, you won’t be giving up core functionality.
The electric version also offers some advantages over the diesel. You get instant torque delivery, quieter operation, and of course, zero local emissions. For businesses operating in urban areas or near sensitive environments, these benefits could justify the premium.
The Reality Check: Is It Worth It?
Here’s where things get interesting for potential buyers. The 263km range is quite limiting, especially for anyone doing rural work or long-distance towing. While DC fast-charging at up to 50kW offers 20-80 percent charging in one hour, that’s still significantly slower than filling a diesel tank.
For urban tradies, delivery drivers, or recreational users who mostly stay within metropolitan areas, the range might be sufficient. The key question becomes whether the running cost savings and environmental benefits offset the substantial purchase price premium.
When Will We See It Here?
The D-Max EV will be launched in Norway later this year, followed by Thailand and the UK, where it will be released in early 2026. For Australia, Isuzu Ute Australia deputy general manager Sadanori Sugita confirmed the D-Max EV would be launched in Australia “in the near future”, but no specific timing has been announced.
This gives potential buyers time to assess whether electric utes make financial sense for their specific situation. It also means we might see competitor pricing that could influence Isuzu’s final Australian pricing strategy.
What This Means for Ute Buyers
The potential $100,000+ price tag for the Isuzu D-Max Electric reflects the current reality of the electric vehicle transition in the ute segment. Early adopters will pay premium prices for limited production volumes and cutting-edge technology.
For most buyers, diesel remains the practical choice, especially given the current D-Max’s impressive capabilities, with the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel delivering 140kW and 450Nm, plus up to 3.5-tonne towing capacity. The diesel versions also offer significantly better value, with even the top-spec models coming in well under the projected electric price.
However, for businesses needing to meet environmental targets, or buyers who prioritize zero local emissions and can work within the range limitations, the electric D-Max could still represent value despite the high price.
The key is understanding that we’re in the early days of electric ute adoption in Australia. Prices will likely come down as production scales up and more competitors enter the market. But for now, if you want electric ute capability, you’ll need to pay a significant premium for the privilege.
Whether that premium makes sense depends entirely on your specific needs, usage patterns, and budget. For many buyers, the current diesel D-Max lineup will continue to offer the best combination of capability, range, and value until electric ute economics improve.