TransLogistics

Transport and Logistics Network

Mazda has its own affordable electric car (for the moment in China)

In China it has its birthplace, in Japan it has its roots, and in Europe it would be defined as an affordable electric car, selling for less than GBP21,000. The car in question is the Mazda EZ-6, a battery-powered saloon developed by the Japanese manufacturer as part of a joint venture with the Chinese company Changan. It was unveiled in April at the Beijing Motor Show, at the same time as the Arata combustion-powered crossover concept.

It is now officially available for pre-order, at a price of between 160,000 and 200,000 yuan, or between GBP17,000 and GBP21,300.

Specifications

Seven versions are available, including three all-electric (BEV, battery electric vehicles) and four extended range (electric vehicle) with combustion engine (EREV). In terms of range, the declared figures (in CLTC cycle) speak of 298-373 miles depending on the version, which becomes 808 miles with the combustion engine.

Mazda EZ-6

The interior of the Mazda EZ-6

Power is 258 PS and the batteries have a capacity of 56.1 or 68.8 kWh, while the top speed is still electronically limited to 106 mph. The EREV also features a 1.5-litre ICE (internal combustion engine) generator combined with a 218 PS electric motor and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries[1].

  • Engine: 258 PS
  • Batteries: 56.1-68.8 kWh
  • Maximum speed: 106 mph
  • Range: 298-373 miles (808 miles EREV)
  • Price: GBP17,000-GBP21,300

Waiting in Europe

As for the car's interior, we find leather seats or, in the best versions, suede, a 14-speaker Sony audio system, 64-colour ambient lighting, a panoramic glass roof and zero gravity front seats, i.e. seats that recline to a flat position.

The Mazda[2] EZ-6 is expected to arrive in Europe by the end of the year, where it will have to contend with a number of additional costs, starting with new European taxes on imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles[3].

References

  1. ^ lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries (uk.motor1.com)
  2. ^ Mazda (uk.motor1.com)
  3. ^ new European taxes on imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles (uk.motor1.com)