Isuzu wants to make a 48V mild-hybrid diesel D-Max

The D-Max EV Concept wasn’t the only pickup Isuzu revealed in Thailand recently ahead of the 2024 Bangkok International Motor Show. Also unveiled a week ahead of the annual motor show is the D-Max MHEV, and from its namesake, it’s a mild-hybrid version of the brand’s popular workhorse.

This is not the first time we’ve seen the mild-hybrid diesel pickup truck. Earlier this year, our friends over at headlightmag in Thailand spotted what appears to be the mild-hybrid prototype of the electrified D-Max doing rounds on public roads.

Back to the vehicle itself, the electrified pickup truck is a “proof-of-concept” (POC) pickup that aims to introduce a mild-hybrid version of the D-Max. It consists of a 1.9-liter turbo-diesel engine that’s assisted by a small electric motor and a 48V battery. The electric motor is installed in front of the engine and is connected to the Belted Alternator Starter (BAS).

This setup allows the system to reduce vibration when starting the engine as well as reduce the engine’s workload during startup. The exact specifications and details of the D-Max MHEV are not yet available. However, should its engine be similar to the RZ4E, the mild-hybrid pickup will still likely come with 150 PS and 350 Nm of torque. But since it benefits from 48V BAS, it will produce fewer emissions while providing extra oomph when needed.

With the D-Max MHEV one of the possible options for Isuzu customers to reduce CO2 emissions while still driving a pickup, this could prove popular in most markets. And once it goes into production, it will likely go up against the likes of the Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V.

For now, Isuzu Thailand is in the process of surveying the market before determining the next course of action for the electrified pickup truck.