Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL), the country’s top-selling truck brand, has outlined its roadmap to reduce transport emissions and decarbonise its product range by 2050. Speaking from the Brisbane Truck Show, IAL used the launch of its all-new model range to provide an update on the company’s low- and zero-emission vehicle ambitions, and reinforce its global alignment with parent company Isuzu Motors Limited in Japan.
Fleet operators attending the show were given insight into the technology pathways Isuzu is investing in—battery electric, fuel cell, renewable fuels and autonomy—alongside the strategic shift to offer mobility solutions, not just hardware.
Global vision, local delivery
Matt Sakhaie, Chief of Product at IAL, said Isuzu is responding to the fast-evolving transport environment with a long-term view of carbon reduction.
“The global Isuzu Group recognise that to continue to compete in such a rapidly changing road transport environment, the company needs to continue to adapt,” he said.
“With that, they have clearly stated their vision to move beyond the core product that has made Isuzu so successful and transform into a commercial mobility solutions provider.”
This mindset is informing not just product development, but how Isuzu is planning for different energy sources and drive technologies in different markets. “An immediate priority for all Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) is the reduction of tailpipe emissions,” Sakhaie said. “There’s a range of initiatives underway to achieve this vision as appropriate for the local market and our customers.”
BEV development gains traction
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology is front and centre for Isuzu, especially in urban logistics and last-mile applications. Isuzu’s initial BEV N Series trucks have been under trial in Australia for the past year, with performance results described as very positive. IAL plans to expand its local trials with more units entering service shortly.
“We continue to work on a battery electric vehicle or ‘BEV’ solution for urban and last-mile logistics applications. This has been a keen focus within IAL for some years now,” Sakhaie explained.
The BEV program supports fleets aiming to meet local emissions targets or corporate ESG commitments, particularly in city-based distribution where range and charging constraints are more manageable.
Fuel cell trucks on the horizon
Isuzu is also collaborating globally on hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), with developments focused on heavy-duty applications.
The partnership with Honda is delivering early prototypes, including the Giga Fuel Cell prime mover, which was first shown at the Japan Mobility Show. Real-world testing of the Giga Fuel Cell was undertaken last year and learnings from these trials will be shared with the Australian market.
“In finding more specific reduced emissions solutions at the heavier end, Isuzu has entered into a range of global technology sharing partnerships with some world leaders in the hydrogen fuel cell space,” said Sakhaie.
This direction highlights Isuzu’s recognition that zero-emission technology must vary depending on duty cycle and load profiles—fuel cells may be more viable than BEVs in high-GVM long-haul freight.
Exploring renewable fuels
Beyond BEV and hydrogen, Isuzu is actively exploring Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a potential transitional fuel. HVO is a diesel substitute derived from renewable feedstocks like used cooking oil or animal fats, and can help reduce emissions from existing diesel fleets without needing infrastructure or equipment changes.
“To put it simply, HVO is a diesel-like fuel that can be produced without fossil resources by processing renewable waste lipids,” Sakhaie explained.
“HVO producers suggest that the product may contribute to a more balanced carbon cycle,” he added, noting that it could be a near-term solution for fleets unable to electrify immediately.
Isuzu is working intensively to test and verify this fuel’s compatibility with their engines and views it as a viable step on the path to full decarbonisation.
Investment in autonomy
Isuzu is also investigating autonomous vehicle technology, particularly in structured logistics environments such as hub-to-hub and middle-mile freight.
Through its investment in Gatik, an autonomous driving start-up in the United States, Isuzu is targeting Level 4 autonomy—vehicles capable of full self-driving under defined conditions—by 2027. Trials are already underway in North America, with focus on closed-loop middle-mile operations.
“Developers have recently showcased significant technological breakthroughs such as improved sensor capabilities and AI decision-making,” said Sakhaie. “The Isuzu Group is well and truly active in this space.”
While full autonomy is still some way off in Australia, the implications for logistics efficiency and driver safety are being taken seriously.
Next-generation models lead the way
The new model range revealed at the Brisbane Truck Show incorporates updated Euro VI and Post-New Long-Term emissions-compliant engines, giving fleets immediate access to cleaner combustion technology. These powertrains provide a bridge between current operations and future zero-emission options.
This aligns with the broader carbon reduction roadmap from Isuzu, which spans incremental efficiency improvements, alternate fuels, and full electrification.
R&D driving progress
The company’s efforts are backed by serious investment. Globally, Isuzu Group has increased research and development spending to accelerate the rollout of cleaner technologies and support the long-term strategy to become carbon neutral by 2050.
“Investment in research and development programs is well underway,” Sakhaie said. “The nature of our partnerships and strategic alliances all reflect a hunger to identify, develop and offer the solutions that customers require for their commercial transport needs.”
What it means for fleet buyers
For fleet managers, sustainability officers and procurement teams, the update from Isuzu reinforces the company’s leadership position—not just in truck sales, but in planning for the future of transport.
Whether your fleet strategy involves transitioning to battery electric, trialling renewable fuels, or keeping an eye on autonomy, Isuzu is actively working to offer solutions that suit the varied needs of Australian operators.
The message is clear: Isuzu is not waiting for the future of transport—it’s actively building it.
