Isuzu Commercial Truck of America has appointed ChargePoint, a leading provider of networked solutions for charging electric vehicles (EVs), as an official source to provide EV charging infrastructure and software solutions for its dealer partners and customers.
The announcement comes in advance of Isuzu releasing its 2025 NRR EV, a Class 5 battery electric truck, early next year.
“This relationship will allow our dealers and customers to get ready now for the introduction of our electric truck next year,” says Shaun C. Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada. “Trying to find a reliable resource for the installation of the necessary charging and electrification infrastructure can be staggering. Our relationship with ChargePoint will ease the transition for everyone.”
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Isuzu says the process is easy. Isuzu dealers will simply need to access a ChargePoint website portal using the dealer’s own secure credentials. ChargePoint or one of its channel partners will then work with the dealer and/or customer directly to develop a customized electrification solution and identify available incentives from state and local agencies and utilities. ChargePoint or one of its channel partners will be able to manage all aspects of the project, from needs assessment through equipment purchase and installation and charging training.
“Commercial trucks play a critical role in the transition to electrification, underscoring the need for integrated charging solutions to help streamline operations and deliver a lower total cost of ownership (TCO),” says Rich Mohr, senior vice president, Americas at ChargePoint. “Together, Isuzu and ChargePoint are removing barriers to entry for electrifying commercial trucks and delivering integrated software and hardware solutions that maximize Isuzu customers’ TCO advantage.”
Isuzu says the NRR EV is the company's first all-electric production model. Among the notable features of the truck:
- Four choices of battery capacity, the largest of which has an estimated range up to 235 miles
- AC (Level 2) and DC Fast Charging (Level 3) charging capability
- A full 19,500-lb., Class 5 GVWR
- Wheelbases ranging from 132.5 to 176 in., to accommodate a variety of body lengths
- An upgraded cab features a new front end (bumper, grill, and headlight assemblies) and a completely new dash design and layout with a new interior color scheme.
Isuzu adds every NRR EV will be powered by a number of 20-kilowatt-hour, lithium-ion battery packs. Compared to conventional lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries store more energy in less space; are lighter; last much longer; and do not require traditional maintenance.
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Customers will be able to choose from three-, five-, seven-, and nine-battery-pack models. All else being equal, Isuzu says the more battery packs, the longer the driving range. By offering four configurations, Isuzu will allow buyers to choose the combination that’s best for their business.
For ease of charging, all NRR EV models will be equipped with charging ports that accommodate the most popular charging connectors in the U.S. and Canada:
- DC charging (CCS1)
- AC charging (J1772)
To accommodate their multiple battery packs and to provide reasonable charging times, NRR EV trucks, with battery capacities of 60, 100, 140, and 180 kWh, will have an AC Level 2 charging time range from 6 to 10.5 hours and a DC Fast Charging time range from 2.5 to 3 hours, Isuzu says.
The company also states depending upon the number of battery packs chosen, NRR EV trucks will have estimated driving ranges from 41 to 235 miles:
- Three battery packs (60 kWh capacity): 41-80 miles
- Five battery packs (100 kWh capacity): 68-130 miles
- Seven battery packs (140 kWh capacity): 95-180 miles
- Nine battery packs (180 kWh capacity): 122-235 miles
The figuures are calculated estimates, based on a fully charged battery, and for comparison purposes only.
“Battery capacity decreases with time and use,” says Skinner. “A truck’s actual range will vary based on a number of factors, including number of battery packs, vehicle options, driving conditions and habits, vehicle and battery’s condition and outside temperature.”
He adds, “Obviously, our dealers, fleet customers and owner/operators have already started wondering how to keep their trucks charged and ready to go. That’s a major reason we selected ChargePoint, a proven industry leader in electric vehicle infrastructure.”
