Isuzu UK Offers Integrated Solar on the New D-Max EV

Overview

Isuzu UK has collaborated with Genie Insights to offer an integrated solar solution as an option on the new Isuzu D-Max EV, allowing fleet customers to specify solar as part of the vehicle build.

The bespoke 75W high-voltage system is installed before the vehicle reaches the customer, providing an autonomous source of supplementary power to maintain the 12V battery and offset electrical loads that could otherwise draw power from the vehicle.

The collaboration follows trials and evaluation with Isuzu UK importer IM Group, building on experience of Genie Insights’ solar technology across shared fleet customer Network Rail.

Customer: Isuzu UK / IM Group

Application: Electric pick-up vehicles

Vehicle: Isuzu D-Max EV

Challenge: 12V battery maintenance and onboard electrical loads

Solution: Bespoke 75W high-voltage CIGS solar solution

The Challenge

With the launch of the fully electric D-Max EV, Isuzu UK wanted to offer fleet customers an integrated solar option that could maintain the 12V battery and provide supplementary power to onboard electrical systems without changing driver behaviour.

The Solution

Genie Insights provides a bespoke 75W high-voltage solar solution, powered by MIPV technology, for the D-Max EV.

The flexible CIGS solar module is fitted to the load bed roof and measures 947mm by 687mm. At just 3mm thick and weighing 2.5kg, it adds minimal weight to the vehicle.

CIGS technology generates energy from daylight and continues to operate in low-light and partially shaded conditions.

The system operates autonomously, requiring no manual charging or intervention from the driver.

The solution is fully automotive compliant, including with ECE R10 Type Approval standards.

From Fleet Experience to OEM Integration

The relationship between Genie Insights and Isuzu UK importer IM Group developed through experience with shared fleet customer Network Rail.

Diesel Isuzu D-Max vehicles were already operating within Network Rail’s fleet, while Genie Insights had supplied solar technology across its wider commercial vehicle fleet, including around 450 vehicles over a two-year period.

This existing fleet experience was followed by trials and evaluation with IM Group.

The collaboration subsequently progressed to the new D-Max EV, with Genie Insights’ solar system made available as an integrated option that fleet customers can specify before their vehicles enter service.

Alan Able, Managing Director of Isuzu UK, said:

“We’ve been on a great journey with Genie Insights, and the relationship we’ve built in a short space of time reflects the quality of the product and the collaboration behind it. Offering this solution on the Isuzu D-Max EV allows us to give customers an integrated, high-quality option that’s already been proven in fleet use, while maintaining the durability and capability expected from Isuzu.”

The Outcome

Fleet customers ordering the D-Max EV can specify the Genie Insights solar solution as part of the vehicle build rather than arranging a separate retrofit after delivery.

This means the vehicle can enter service with a source of supplementary power already installed, maintaining the 12V battery and offsetting electrical loads from onboard equipment whenever sufficient daylight is available.

For Isuzu UK, the collaboration adds a solar power option to the D-Max EV proposition while retaining an integrated approach to vehicle preparation.

For fleet customers, installation before delivery removes the need to take a new vehicle out of operation at a later date to have the system retrofitted and ensures that the battery is benefiting from the solar charging from the outset.

Explore our solar battery maintenance solutions for electric commercial vehicles.

About IM Group / Isuzu UK

The D-Max EV, which was launched in 2026, is Isuzu’s fully electric pick-up, combining zero-emission operation with a payload of more than one tonne.