Isuzu Trucks, a Japanese manufacturer, is expanding its presence in the United States by building a new $280 million factory in South Carolina. The facility, expected to be operational in 2027, will produce both electric and combustion medium-duty trucks, with an annual production capacity of approximately 50,000 vehicles by 2030. The factory will employ over 800 people by 2028.
The new facility will be the first in the Isuzu Group to feature a production line without conveyors or pits, designed to enable a smooth transition from internal combustion engine to electric vehicle production. The factory will produce the Class 5 N-Series NRR EV truck, as well as the combustion-powered N-Series truck in Classes 3-5 and the F-Series in Classes 5-7.
The Isuzu N-Series NRR EV is a battery-powered truck with a gross vehicle weight rating of 19,500 pounds, capable of carrying payloads between 9,882 and 12,951 pounds. It features an electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, with an electric power take-off (ePTO) providing 7 kW of continuous power to auxiliary equipment.
The truck can be recharged from an AC or DC source, with rapid charging via a DC charger taking between one to two and a half hours. The N-Series NRR EV also comes equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
This expansion into the American market builds on Isuzu Trucks’ record sales in North America, with over 44,000 units sold last year. The new factory will enable the company to meet the growing demand for its products and provide a stronger presence in the region.