en.Wedoany.com Reported - Isuzu UK has announced a partnership with Genie Insights to offer the latter's advanced solar technology as a custom factory-integrated option for the new Isuzu D-Max EV. The collaboration aims to give fleet customers confidence in the battery performance and range preservation of electric vehicles, marking a significant step forward in integrating solar technology into commercial vehicles—the system is installed before vehicle delivery rather than as a retrofit.
The new Isuzu D-Max EV is the UK's first all-electric pickup truck to offer zero-emission capability while maintaining a payload of over one ton. Fleet operators can now choose to incorporate Genie Insights' solar technology as part of the vehicle's manufacturing process. The system is designed to support overall battery health and maintain the performance of onboard electrical systems. For fleets operating in demanding environments or relying on auxiliary power, this provides additional assurance, helping to protect the 12V battery status while sustaining range over the long term.
The partnership between Genie Insights and IM Group, the UK importer of Isuzu, stems from real-world fleet applications. Early collaboration was initiated through a mutual customer, Network Rail, which had previously been using diesel-powered Isuzu D-Max vehicles. Genie Insights has also deployed its solar technology across Network Rail's larger fleet, with installations on approximately 450 commercial vehicles (mainly vans) over the past two years.
Following a trial and evaluation phase with IM Group, the partnership deepened due to clear customer demand for integrated solar functionality, making IM Group one of Genie Insights' growing list of partners. Currently, Genie Insights supports an increasing number of large UK fleets, having sold nearly 15,000 solar photovoltaic systems for commercial vehicles to organizations such as British Gas and BT/Openreach.
Designed specifically for commercial vehicle applications, the solar system is a custom 75-watt high-voltage solution mounted on the cargo roof. It measures 947mm in length, 687mm in width, weighs only 2.5kg, and is just 3mm thick, with a design focused on efficiency—critical for electric vehicles where weight impacts range.
Optimized for UK conditions, the system uses CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) technology, which generates electricity from daylight rather than direct sunlight. This means it operates effectively throughout winter and in low-light conditions, validated through six winters of real-world operation. The technology is designed for partially shaded areas, with diodes between every two battery cells, making it a "fit and forget" solution that requires no change in driver behavior. Manufactured in the UK, it fully complies with ECE R10 type approval standards, ensuring reliability and compliance.
Alan Able, Managing Director of Isuzu UK, stated that the collaboration journey with Genie Insights has been smooth, and the relationship built in a short time reflects the product quality and teamwork. Offering this solution on the Isuzu D-Max EV enables the company to provide customers with an integrated, high-quality option validated in fleet use, while maintaining the durability and capability expected from Isuzu.
Matt Reeve, Managing Director of Genie Insights, expressed delight in adding another original equipment manufacturer to its product portfolio and collaborating with a renowned brand like Isuzu UK. By working closely with Isuzu UK, solar technology can be seamlessly installed before vehicles enter service, allowing fleets to benefit from a fully integrated solution from day one. This is a proven, fit-and-forget system that supports 12V battery health and gives operators greater confidence in vehicle reliability under demanding conditions.
