Mazda 6e electric sedan under study for Australia
And a Mazda EZ-60 Tesla Model Y fighter is also on the wanted listThe Mazda 6e EV is under study for Australia, while the EZ-60 large electric SUV is on the wanted list.
Mazda Australia has confirmed a business case is under development for the 6e large hatchback, which launched as the EZ-6 in China in 2024.
It was confirmed for European export including right-hand drive to the UK as the 6e last January. That triggered the local study, which is yet to reach a verdict.
But the EZ-60, which would be a direct rival for the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7 and other electric SUVs such as the Deepal S07 with which it shares fundamental technology, has yet to get that far.
What’s stopping Mazda Australia kicking off a study of the EZ-60 – which is expected to be called CX-6e in export markets – is no official confirmation of sale beyond China or in right-hand drive.
But Mazda Australia is hoping that will soon change. Mid-size SUVs are the largest-selling EV segment here and the EZ-60 could be a real asset.
By contrast, Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi has in the past ruled out the EZ-6 for Australia not only because of the lack of right-hand drive, but also because of the declining interest in passenger car sales locally.
But with the 6e now potentially available, he’s softened his stance.
There seems to be three arguments in its favour:
- The Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal electric passenger cars sell in reasonable numbers locally
- Mazda Australia has a policy of offering as many model options as it can obtain to its customers if possible
- The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) requires the introduction of EVs by manufacturers if they wish to avoid increasingly draconian fines on CO2-emitting vehicles. At the moment Mazda sells no EVs in Australia.
“The business case [for 6e] is not the strongest given sedans/hatch variants are not big sellers in Australia,” Bhindi admitted. “There is demand but they are not big sellers, SUVs are.
“But we will do our work on a business case and if it stacks up and it is accepted by Mazda Corporation that they will consider regardless of the volume that we put forward, then we can go on to the next phase.”
One thing that does not appear to be a key factor is the 6e will likely be as close as Mazda gets to a replacement for the critically acclaimed but slow-selling Mazda6 that has just ended its run after more than 20 years and three generations.
A product of Mazda’s joint-venture with Chinese brand Changan, the 6e is based on the latter’s EPA1 platform that underpins the Deepal S07 already sold in Australia.
Powered by a 190kW/380Nm e-motor driving the rear wheels, the 6e is offered with a choice of 68.8kWH LFP and 80kWh NMC battery packs with WLTP claimed ranges of 480km to 550km.
It’s a bit bigger than the current Mazda6, measuring up at 50mm longer, 50mm wider and about 20mm taller.
The EZ-60 is also based on the EPA1 platform, which surely means there is every chance it will be built in right-hand drive. It has the same battery and powertrain specs as the EZ-6/6e.
It sits 110mm longer, 45mm wider and 55mm lower than the CX-60 medium SUV.
Its interior includes a 26-inch touchscreen shared between driver and passenger.
Asked whether Mazda Australia would like to get going on a business case for the EZ-60, Bhindi responded “very much”, before cautioning:
“First two things need to happen. The car has to be available outside of China and in right-hand drive.
“We’ve got to do some work on it.”
While PHEV versions of both vehicles have also been announced, at this stage Mazda Australia says its interest is focused – at least for now – only on the EV powertrains of both vehicles.
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