Isuzu D-Max EV buyers who want to take a belt-and-braces approach to reliability can now spec a factory-fitted solar panel on the load bed roof.

This isn’t designed to play any role in extending the range of the traction battery but, instead, trickle-charge the 12V system to keep it in tip-top condition.

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Though it might seem of little importance, this circuit is critical for lights, locks, controls and safety software.

Should it be depleted through parasitic losses or by running power-hungry auxiliary equipment, the vehicle may refuse to move – even if the traction battery is fully charged.

The 75W, high-voltage array has been developed specifically for commercial vehicles by Genie Insights.

It uses copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) technology to generate energy from daylight rather than direct sunlight for year-round benefit, and to keep size and weight to a minimum.

It is 3mm thick and weighs just 2.5kg, so should have no detrimental effect on the vehicle’s economy or performance.