Mazda uncertain on EV ute
But a plug-in hybrid version of the BT-50 is set to happen much sooner than a BEV ute, as stricter CO2 emissions regulations biteThe new-look 2025 Mazda BT-50 ute has been launched in Australia but unlike the pick-up truck on which it’s based – the Isuzu D-Max – don’t expect to see a battery-electric version any time soon.
Mazda’s BT-50 is built by Isuzu at the same factory as its D-Max in Thailand and the company has confirmed an EV ute version of the Isuzu D-Max is locked in for Australia, revealing a concept version powered by a 67kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The vehicle will launch in 2025 in Norway first and will also make its way to the UK, Thailand and Australia in due course.
But Mazda will play the waiting game before bolting out of the gates with its reskinned version of Isuzu’s EV ute.
“Right here, right now, we see customers buying utes still needing something that’s fit for purpose, and in the hierarchy of purposes and what’s important, payload and towing is in the top part,” stated Mazda Australia’s managing director, Vinesh Bhindi.
The long-standing Mazda Australia boss wouldn’t rule out a silent battery-powered ute based on Isuzu’s tech, agreeing that if customer demand is there, the importer would address that.
But he cautioned that an EV ute was not a priority for Mazda at present.
“Our focus isn't there,” he said. “Our focus is more about meeting what the customer wants.
“So these newer [EV] technologies at this stage haven’t demonstrated they can satisfy that [towing and payload] element as well.
“Now, maybe it will improve over time, but we need to look at what the consumer wants,” explained the senior Mazda executive.
However, given that Isuzu is also set to deploy a plug-in hybrid D-Max ute, a reskinned version of this PHEV is far more likely in the short term for Mazda.
A hybrid Mazda BT-50 would give the Japanese brand an important weapon with which to attack the hugely popular BYD Shark 6 already on sale in Australia, and upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV and Cannon Alpha PHEV, both of which will roll into Aussie showrooms this year.
“Our position is we will have all the technologies that the market needs, whether it be battery EV or hybridisation or still sticking to diesel powertrains for the utes, and we will bring that to the table,” asserted Mazda Australia’s MD.
Related: New PHEV option for Isuzu D-Max and MU-X
Related: 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha arrives with plug-in hybrid
Related: 2025 BYD Shark 6 Off-road 4x4 Review
Related: 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV to be offered in multiple forms
Related: Electric Isuzu D-MAX ute confirmed for Australia
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