INDIANAPOLIS—Isuzu Commercial Truck of America announced two firsts on March 8 at Work Truck Week 2023: its first all-electric model, the N-Series electric Class 5 truck, as well as new cab design for the EV, which will be made available for existing Isuzu models.
The model-year Class 5—featuring a 19,500-lb. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and a battery-electric platform developed by Isuzu Motors Limited—will be available in the first half of 2024, company officials said during the media event. The OEM also revealed gasoline engines for its N-Series.
Isuzu’s first N-Series EV starred at the event's morning press conference, joined by EV announcements from Mack, startup Workhorse, and others.
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“The N-Series EV is a game-changer, not only for us, but for our dealers and our customers,” said Shaun Skinner, who is president of both Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada. “We have always prided ourselves on offering a variety of powertrains to meet the needs of our owners. As we look at the regulatory landscape ahead of us, we know that the demand for a medium-duty truck powered by electricity is going to increase dramatically. And we will be ready, with the first electric production Class 5 low cab forward truck in the U.S. and Canadian marketplace.”
The N-Series EV also will be available in Japan, where it was announced earlier the same day, marking the first time that a new Isuzu model has been introduced simultaneously in three markets: Japan, the United States, and Canada, company officials said.
The new Isuzu EV features:
- Wheelbases ranging from 132.5 to 176 inches to accommodate a variety of body lengths.
- Four choices of battery capacity, the largest of which has a range of up to 235 miles.
- DC Fast Charging and AC (Level 2) charging capability.
- An optional Advanced Driver Assistance System package designed to improve driver, passenger and pedestrian safety and to help reduce the number and severity of collisions.
Every N-Series EV will be powered by a number of 20-kilowatt-hour, lithium-ion battery packs. Customers will be able to choose from three-, five-, seven-, and nine-battery-pack models. By offering four configurations, Isuzu will allow buyers to choose the combination that’s best for their business, company officials said.
