Isuzu Trucks has decided to postpone the launch of its electric vehicle (EV) lineup due to ongoing concerns about the availability and suitability of charging infrastructure. The Japanese truck manufacturer has plans to eventually introduce battery-powered models within its N Series range, which includes the NLR — a model that can be operated with a standard car driver’s license — and the NPR. These electric versions are expected to offer maximum driving ranges of approximately 150 kilometers for the NLR and 200 kilometers for the NPR. Despite these promising specifications, the timeline for release remains uncertain. Andrew Harbison, the Director and Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Australia Limited, stated that the company has not yet finalized a firm launch date, even though earlier announcements had hinted at a release sometime between 2024 and 2025.
Harbison explained that the company has already been testing these electric trucks in Australia for over a year. While he is optimistic about their eventual arrival, he acknowledged that expecting them within the next 12 months might be overly hopeful. However, he remains confident that they will be available within a few years. One of the major obstacles holding back the release, according to Harbison, is the insufficient availability of suitable public charging stations for electric trucks. He pointed out that although the Australian government has made significant investments in EV charging infrastructure, most of the current facilities are not compatible with larger commercial vehicles like trucks. This incompatibility creates practical issues that must be resolved before a successful nationwide rollout of electric trucks can be achieved.
Harbison emphasized that this challenge is not just technical, but also logistical and regulatory. He believes that while charging technology and infrastructure will continue to develop and expand, it will likely take another year or two before Isuzu can seriously move forward with offering these vehicles for widespread use. The company is closely monitoring the progress in this space and adjusting its plans accordingly.
Meanwhile, some of Isuzu’s competitors have already taken the lead in the electric truck segment. For example, Fuso launched its fully electric truck, the eCanter, back in 2021, marking it as the first brand to offer such a vehicle in Australia. This early entry into the EV market has given Fuso a head start in the transition to cleaner commercial transport, highlighting the competitive pressure on Isuzu to catch up once the necessary infrastructure is in place.