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Isuzu Charges Forward

ISUZU GOES ELECTRIC WITH N-SERIES NRR EV.

The Charlotte, MI built NRR EV recently began production, and offers an EV option for those who need an Isuzu-built vehicle, but one without a petrol-engine. 

Isuzu says that the vehicle has the quietest and most efficient cab in its stable, with enhanced aerodynamics which allow the airflow to be directed around the cab. New front bumper is designed to improve cooling performance, and a front frame is made of hot-rolled steel, which with its high tensile strength design is more rigid, stronger, and taller than previous frames.

Top view with nine battery pack (180 kWh)

POWERTRAIN

The new N-Series NRR EV is available in chassis or van body styles. The powertrain consists of a choice of four battery packs configurations (60, 100, 140, or 180-kWh), this is mated to 150kW of maximum power, 280 pounds/feet or torque at a voltage of 350V. An eco mode helps to reduce battery consumption and acceleration to increase available range. Regenerative braking can be set to the driver’s preference and helps to further increase range. AC (Level 2) and DC fast charging can charge to vehicle to fill in under two hours.

“Isuzu teams overseas and here in North America have worked tirelessly to bring the NRR-EV from concept to reality,” says Shaun Skinner, president, Isuzu Commercial Truck. “Start of production marks a pivotal moment for us. This vehicle not only showcases our technological prowess but also our dedication to sustainability and innovation. We are incredibly excited to start seeing our EV on the road and in the hands of our customers.”

Depending on the battery pack that is used for the selected vehicle, the range varies. A 60kWh (three battery packs) offers three wheelbase options (132.5, 150, 176 inches) and has a range of 41 to 80 miles; 100 kWh (five battery packs) also has the same three wheelbase lengths and a range of 68 to 130 miles; 140 kWh (seven battery packs) is available in the 176” wheelbase and has a range of 95 to 180 miles; and finally the 180 kWh (nine battery packs) is also offered in the 176” wheelbase and has a range of 122 to 235 miles.

TECHNOLOGY ON TAP

NRR EV comes with advanced driver assistance system, which provides lane departure warning system, automatic emergency braking system, following distance warning, mis-acceleration mitigation, forward vehicle start notification, and full-range adaptive cruise control. Additionally, a pedestrian alert system helps to notify pedestrians with audible cues that the vehicle is near when operating at low speed.

The electric power take-off (ePTO) for powering auxiliary equipment and provides seven kWh of continuous power with a peak of 26kWh.

Also, by using the company’s Isuzu Group Connect, you can remotely monitor cruising distance, battery level, charging status, and charging history. The service is available as standard.

NEW WARRANTY

NRR-EV customers now have to an enhanced warranty and complimentary scheduled maintenance that accompanies Isuzu360. NRR-EV powertrain limited warranty coverage will be up to eight years or 130,000 miles (whichever occurs first) when customers register for Isuzu360. Complimentary scheduled maintenance is included for up to five years or 100,000 miles (whichever occurs first) when the vehicle is registered with Isuzu360.

“The NRR-EV warranty and complimentary maintenance will give customers the peace of mind that they are accustomed to with Isuzu trucks. The additional warranty coverage and maintenance that is provided if customers subscribe to the Isuzu360 connected vehicle service really adds to the value of the NRR-EV. The Isuzu360 Connected vehicle service allows us and owners to monitor a vehicle’s performance and identify potential issues quicker in an effort to maximize the vehicle’s uptime,” says Skinner. “We have so much to look forward to with this new electric vehicle and we will continue to elevate the customer experience with the NRR-EV and our other products.”

IMPORTANT INFO

The Standard cab version of the NRR EV is available with bodies up to 20’, payloads of 9,882 to 12,951 lbs, and a GVWR of 19,500 lbs. 

The NRR EV has also been awarded the California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) eligibility by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Therefore, now when the Isuzu NRR-EV arrives in California, customers can qualify for up to a $60,000 HVIP voucher that can be stacked with other programs.

“As businesses continue to build their zero-emission fleets, the HVIP voucher for the NRR-EV is a big step in bringing those customers into the Isuzu brand,” says Skinner. “EV customers will also appreciate the many benefits associated with our new ISUZU360 connected service as we continue to elevate the Isuzu ownership experience.” 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mario Cywinski is the editor of Modern WorkTruck Solutions and has worked in the automotive industry for 20 years, both as an automotive journalist and working for a local dealership. He is a member of the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada and has been a judge for the Canadian Truck King Challenge. He can be reached at mario@mwsmag.com.

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