Mazda 6e Mid Size EV Nears Australia Arrival

Mazda’s electric future is starting to take shape overseas, but whether it will reach Australian roads remains to be seen.

The brand has recently unveiled two new EVs in partnership with Chinese carmaker Changan, one of which could be a better fit for Australia than the other. But for now, only one is even being considered.

Mazda Looks to China for Future Electric Vehicles

6e electric liftback could revive the Mazda 6 name

Mazda Australia has confirmed it’s exploring a business case for the new Mazda 6e, an all-electric mid-size liftback already confirmed for right-hand drive and launching in the UK in 2026.

It’s a spiritual successor to the now-discontinued Mazda 6 sedan and wagon sold here—though slightly larger, being 50mm longer and 50mm wider.

What sets the 6e apart is its solid range and charging tech:

• 68.8kWh LFP battery: 479km WLTP range, up to 165kW charging
• 80kWh NMC battery: 552km WLTP range, 90kW charging
• Both models use a single 190kW (or 180kW for the larger battery) rear-mounted motor

Energy use is impressively consistent: around 16.5kWh/100km, regardless of battery size.

Inside, it’s kitted out with features like a 14.6-inch infotainment screen, digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and ventilated power seats. In Europe, top trims even include Nappa leather and a panoramic sunroof.

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Extended-range version also on the table?

In China, the same model is available as an EREV (extended-range electric vehicle), using a 1.5-litre petrol engine that charges the battery instead of powering the wheels. That setup delivers up to 200km of electric-only range, depending on battery size.

Mazda Australia hasn't ruled it out, but is focusing on the fully electric version first. If it performs well, the EREV could follow, especially given Australia’s charging gaps in regional areas.

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EZ-60 electric SUV still a China exclusive

Mazda’s other new EV, the EZ-60 SUV, debuted at the Shanghai auto show but is currently China-only, and there's no RHD version confirmed yet.

If it did come here, it would sit in the large SUV segment—similar in size to the Tesla Model Y but slightly longer.

According to Chinese specs:

• Electric version: 190kW rear motor, LFP battery
• EREV version: 72kW petrol generator, 31.7kWh battery, 160km electric range

While the EZ-60’s sleek design and specs are promising, Mazda Australia says there are no current plans for a local release.

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Will Mazda give EVs another go in Australia?

Mazda hasn’t had much luck with EVs here before. The MX-30 EV, its only previous electric model, was discontinued in 2023 after poor sales. It’s also been pulled from UK and European markets.

But things might be different this time. The 6e’s decent range, right-hand-drive availability, and luxury-grade interior could offer a more compelling reason to buy.

Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi says any future EV launch depends on building a strong business case and government policy encouraging EV uptake.

“If the government is serious about cutting emissions,” he said, “then stronger EV support is the only path forward. And Mazda will be there if we can.”