Mazda’s Electric Future in Australia
Mazda Australia is finalizing a business case for the local launch of the 6e electric sedan, following the UK’s successful push for right-hand-drive (RHD) production approval. The Chinese-made 6e, a Tesla Model 3 rival, is expected to be followed by the CX-6e electric SUV. Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi emphasized the need to develop a solid business case, stating, “With the RHD Mazda 6e being confirmed, we need to get our skates on and build the appropriate business case.”
Key Features of the Mazda 6e
The 6e electric sedan, co-developed with Changan, was revealed in April 2024 and features:
- Dimensions: 4921mm long, 1890mm wide, and 40mm taller than the outgoing petrol-powered Mazda 6
- Rear-wheel drive with 180kW and 320Nm output
- Two battery options: 66.0kWh LFP and 75.0kWh NMC, with ranges of 479km and 552km (WLTP) respectively
- Features include a 14.6-inch touchscreen, 14-speaker Sony sound system, and 50-inch augmented reality head-up display
The CX-6e SUV, likely to follow the 6e, offers a crossover body style with:
- Dimensions: 4850mm long, positioning it above the CX-5 and CX-60 in Mazda Australia’s SUV range
- “Next-generation Kodo design” with LED perimeter lighting and a 26-inch split-screen display
- Expected to use similar battery options as the 6e, with WLTP range estimates between 400-500km
Business Case and Market Impact
Mazda Australia’s national manager of product and business strategy, Daniel Wakelam, noted that the business case for the CX-6e “will be a bit easier” due to its popularity as a medium SUV. The expected pricing strategy aims to generate sufficient volume to positively influence Mazda’s Australian fleet average emissions under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).
The local market context shows Tesla’s significant presence, with 17,094 Model 3 sedans delivered in Australia in 2024. Other electric sedans like the BYD Seal (6393) and BMW i4 (2062) also contributed to the market. Wakelam acknowledged the distorted segment due to Tesla’s dominance, stating, “We are not going to [sell] 25,000 6es, like they [sell Model 3s].”
Conclusion
Mazda’s move into the Australian electric vehicle market with the 6e and CX-6e represents a significant step in its electrification strategy. With the business case nearing completion and RHD production approved, these models are poised to make a substantial impact on Mazda’s local sales and emissions compliance.
