- The Mazda 6e and CX-6e are both based on Deepal-branded Changan models.
- A more affordable electric SUV based on the Deepal S05 is possible.
- Surging fuel prices have prompted an increase in demand for Mazda’s EVs.
While many of its closest competitors rushed to develop attractive EVs, Mazda dragged its feet for several years, at one stage only selling a single EV in the form of the disappointing and short-lived MX-30. Now, it’s selling attractive 6e/EZ-6 and CX-6e/EZ-60 in certain markets, and more EVs are on the way.
In a bid to quickly bring two new EVs to the market, as well as slash development costs, Mazda leaned on its partnership with Changan in China, basing the 6e on the Deepal L07 and building the CX-6e around the Deepal S07. Although they may not have dedicated Mazda routes, the updates go beyond a simple rebadge.
Read: Mazda’s Electric SUV Gains LiDAR Self-Driving Tech For Under $22k
According to Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi, the 6e and CX-6e launched just as fuel prices soared due to the conflict in the Middle East, prompting a surge in the demand for EVs. With this in mind, the company has already started speaking with Changan about what other models it could use to build its own EVs.
“Consumers have started to accept EV as a viable option in their lifestyle. It’s unfortunate it probably took fuel supply and fuel price [increases], because there is a bigger impact on the economy,” Bhindi told Go Auto.
“Our 20-year partnership with Changan Automotive in Nanjing is a strong partnership. We have started talking about what other opportunities could be there,” he added.
A Smaller Electric SUV?
Bhindi did not say what form future EVs from Mazda could take. One possibility is an electric SUV smaller than the CX-6e. Such a model could be based on the Deepal S05. Changan has been selling this model in China for the past two years. It shares the same EPA1 platform as the larger S07 and could easily be adapted by Mazda for a smaller and more affordable model.
While the 6e and CX-6e use the bones of two Changan models, Mazda builds them in a different factory, and its engineering teams from Japan and Europe were used extensively to develop them. If Mazda is serious about growing its EV sales, once again tapping Changan seems like the easy way to go about it.
