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Isuzu's D-MAX EV Integrates Advanced eAxle from BluE Nexus, AISIN, and DENSO for Global Electric Pickup Market

2 months ago
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Isuzu's D-MAX EV Integrates Advanced eAxle from BluE Nexus, AISIN, and DENSO for Global Electric Pickup Market

Key Insights

  • Isuzu's first battery-electric D-MAX EV pickup, which began production in April 2025, features an advanced eAxle system jointly developed by BluE Nexus, AISIN, and DENSO.

  • The integrated front and rear eAxle, combined with a full-time 4WD system, enhances the D-MAX EV's rugged performance, including durability, towing, and off-road capability.

  • This innovative electric powertrain solution also delivers characteristic BEV benefits such as linear acceleration and significantly reduced noise and vibration for an improved driving experience.

  • The D-MAX EV's global rollout, commencing in Europe, positions the eAxle as a high-performance drive solution crucial for meeting diverse market demands and accelerating electrification in the pickup segment.

Isuzu's inaugural battery-electric pickup, the D-MAX EV, which commenced production in April 2025, will integrate a sophisticated eAxle system jointly developed by BluE Nexus Corporation, AISIN Corporation, and DENSO CORPORATION. This strategic adoption positions the D-MAX EV to meet the rigorous demands of the global pickup market while leveraging the inherent advantages of electric propulsion, marking a significant step in the electrification of light commercial vehicles.

The newly developed eAxle system, comprising both front and rear units, is seamlessly combined with a full-time 4WD system. This engineering synergy is designed to deliver the robust performance traditionally expected from pickup trucks, including exceptional durability, high loading and towing capabilities, and superior rugged road drivability. Concurrently, the eAxle contributes to the characteristic benefits of battery-electric vehicles, such as immediate linear acceleration and significantly reduced noise and vibration, enhancing the overall driving experience for operators.

BluE Nexus, established in April 2019, specializes in electrification systems and electric drive module development. Its collaboration with AISIN and DENSO, both headquartered in Kariya, Aichi, Japan, leverages their collective expertise in advanced automotive components and powertrain solutions. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing electric vehicle technology and contributing to global carbon neutrality through high-performance drive solutions.

The D-MAX EV's market introduction will commence with shipments to major European countries, with plans for gradual global expansion to adapt to diverse market characteristics and customer needs. The eAxle's modular and high-performance design is critical to this global strategy, ensuring that the D-MAX EV can deliver consistent and reliable electric performance across varied operational environments. This phased rollout reflects a strategic approach to penetrate the electric pickup segment, which is poised for substantial growth as commercial fleets and individual consumers seek more sustainable and efficient transportation options.

As the automotive industry accelerates its transition towards electrification, the successful deployment of integrated powertrain solutions like the eAxle in demanding vehicle segments such as pickup trucks becomes increasingly vital. BluE Nexus, AISIN, and DENSO are poised to continue providing valuable technologies and products, leveraging their respective strengths to support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.