Isuzu announces Cummins-powered electric F series for 2026
Isuzu is excited to announce the development of all-new, zero-emission Isuzu class 6 & 7 F series trucks utilizing an Accelera by Cummins battery-electric powertrain for both the US and Canada. They’re so excited, in fact, that they’re announcing it two years ahead of time!
I don’t want to be too hard on Isuzu here. They have a long history of building bulletproof diesel engines and solid, dependable trucks that are so easy to drive that even novices can confidently wheel the (relatively) compact cabovers around tight urban cityscapes. Besides, it will basically look like a 2024 F series, above, but be electric.
That said, “Pictures of the truck will come at a later date. Any questions, please let me know,” makes it tough to share in Isuzu’s excitement. The official press release is short on specs, too, so while we know that the upcoming electric F series will be bowered by Accelera’s “next generation” lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology, we don’t have any information about battery size, power, or expected range.
We do, however, have quotes – and I’ve included both of them for you. First this one …
With the start of production of our Isuzu class 5 N-Series EV coming this summer and with the future addition of the Isuzu battery electric class 6 & 7 truck, we will be able to provide zero emission solutions across our product line-up. This will also improve the breadth of our overall offerings providing customers the ability to choose the product and propulsion system that best fits their needs.
Shaun Skinner; Executive Officer, Isuzu Motors Limited
… and then this one ….
Partnership and collaboration is critical to supporting customers through the energy transition. Together with Isuzu, and our joint commitment to innovation, we will provide customers with safe, reliable zero-emissions solutions.
Amy Davis; President, Accelera by Cummins
… once that “later date” rolls around and we get some pictures and specs, we’ll let you know. In the meantime, Isuzu says it plans to have the new electric version of its F series truck available for customers by 2026. No pricing was given in the press release.
Elektrek’s Jo’s Take
2026, you might notice, is still two years away. I would think that’s more than enough time to put together some specs and a rendering or two.
At the very least, however, it seems like someone at Isuzu is getting on board with medium-duty EVs – and the collaboration with Cummins (once considered an arch-rival level competitor to the “Duramax” branded Isuzu diesels that appeared in GM’s pickups throughout the late 90s and early 00s) seems to imply that the company is open to exploring new ways to stay relevant in the rapidly changing commercial truck space. All of that feels like extremely positive news, but that’s just my opinion, what’s yours?
Scroll on down to the comments and let us know whether you think the Cummins/Isuzu collaboration is newsworthy on its own, or if we really could have held out for some more information.
SOURCE: ISUZU.
UPDATE: per an email received at 9:26AM CST 14MAY2024, I can expect to receive pictures of the truck, “later this year.” (Really.)
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European logistics firm Contargo is adding twenty of Mercedes’ new, 600 km-capable eActros battery electric semi trucks to its trimodal delivery fleet, bringing zero-emission shipping to Germany’s hinterland.
With over 300 miles of all-electric range, the new Mercedes eActros 600 electric semi truck was designed for (what a European would call) long-haul trucking. Now, after officially entering production at the company’s Wörth plant in Bavaria last month, the eActros 600 is reaching its first customer: Contargo.
With the addition of the twenty new Mercedes, Contargo’s electric truck fleet has grown to 60 BEVs, with plans to increase that total to 90. And, according to Mercedes, Contargo is just the first.
The German truck company says it has plans to deliver fifty (50) of the 600 kWh battery-equipped electric semi trucks to German shipping companies by the close of 2024.
Contargo’s 20 eActros 600 trucks were funded in part by the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport as part of a broader plan to replace a total of 86 diesel-engined commercial vehicles with more climate-friendly alternatives. The funding directive is coordinated by NOW GmbH, and the applications were approved by the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility.
Electrek’s Take
Electric semi trucks are racking up millions of miles in the US, and abroad. As more and more pilot programs begin to pay off, they’re going to lead to more orders for battery electric trucks and more reductions in both diesel demand and harmful carbon emissions.
We can’t wait to see more.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Contargo, via Electrive.
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Isuzu is giving Red Bull electrified wings – the iconic drinks company is officially the first to put the production version of its new-for-2025 Isuzu NRR-EV medium duty electric box truck to work in North America.
Deployed by Red Bull North America, these first-ever customer Isuzu NRR-EV medium duty trucks are busy delivering cans of Red Bull products throughout Southern California with zero tailpipe emissions, marking the first time the best-selling low-cab/cabover box truck brand in the US can make such a claim.
“Today marks a major milestone for the industry and for us. Watching the NRR-EV evolve from a concept to a viable operating product is a big deal,” explains Shaun Skinner, President of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “Our teams and our clients have put so much time and effort into making this happen, and it speaks to our teamwork and dedication to more sustainable transportation solutions. It is no longer just a plan, we have zero-emission trucks serving our customers’ needs!”
The NRR-EV is available with a number of different battery configurations, ranging from three 20 kWh battery packs (60 kWh total) up to nine 20 kWh battery packs, with five and seven pack options in between. The nine-pack version is good for up to 235 miles of range with a 19,500 lb. GVWR. The batteries, regardless of configuration, send power to a 150 kW (200 hp) electric motor with 380 lb-ft. of torque available at 0 rpm.
For “Red Bull” duty, the Isuzu trucks ship with a 100 kWh total battery capacity, and are fitted a lightweight, all-aluminum 6-bay beverage body, the vehicle’s design maintains its cargo capacity. The NRR-EV’s 19,500 lb. GVWR (Class 5) chassis, combined with the lightweight body and “big enough” battery spec provides Red Bull’s delivery drivers a hefty, 9,000 lb. payload.
Isuzu began assembling NRR-EV trucks at its Charlotte, Michigan assembly plant in August 2024. Customer deliveries are set to begin nationally in Q1 of 2025.
Electrek’s Take
Isuzu’s N-series trucks are everywhere – and for good reason. They’re dependable, they’re affordable, and they have a nationwide network of GM dealers supporting them. I am a huge fan of these trucks, and can’t wait to sample the electric version from behind the wheel.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Isuzu.
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