The new Isuzu D-Max EV is being trialled by National Grid engineers.
The model is being trialled by eight engineers across National Grid Electricity Distribution’s (NGED) Midlands, South Wales and South West regions, in real-life operational conditions.
The trial is said to follow four years of close collaboration between NGED and Isuzu, led by NGED’s fleet technical specialist Jane Nicholson, including feeding in operational requirements and converter input to integrate storage and equipment solutions tailored for utility fieldwork.
Nicholson said: “Isuzu has been very keen to have our input from the start, and we’ve met their design teams from Japan and Europe many times, providing them with detailed information on the business’s requirements.
“This led to us having the opportunity to design and build a D-Max alongside specialist vehicle converters Strongs, with our engineers providing input into the features and storage solutions that will make the biggest difference to their work, carrying out upgrades and repairs to the electricity network.
“We’ve always trialled EV vehicles before deploying them into the business, but never to the extent that we are doing with the Isuzu D-Max EV, which will have off-road capabilities and the ability to tow and winch.”
Isuzu UK fleet sales manager Mark Hayes said: “We are very proud to work alongside National Grid Electricity Distribution on this critical development phase of the D-Max EV.
“Their frontline field-engineering expertise and insights are invaluable to ensuring the vehicle is truly fit-for-purpose for utility fleets.”
The full market launch of the D-Max EV will take place early next year.
