Smaller and cheaper but with a Chinese soul: after the 6e and CX-6e, Mazda is setting the stage for its third electric vehicle
04/10/2026 15:30
Updated to
04/10/2026 15:30
Mazda seems to have found in China a solution to accelerate its transition toward electric vehicles. After an initial attempt with the Mazda MX-30 that failed to establish its presence in this market, the Japanese manufacturer has changed tactics and turned to its long-standing partnership with Changan to develop two new-generation models.
The Mazda 6e and CX-6e are the first results of this approach, but it appears they won’t be the last. Vinesh Bhindi, CEO of Mazda Australia, confirmed that both companies have already begun discussions to explore new collaboration opportunities. One particularly interesting possibility would be developing an electric SUV that is smaller and cheaper than the current CX-6e.
Mazda Confirms It Is Already Negotiating New Projects with Changan
As explained to GoAuto, the launch of the new Mazda 6e and CX-6e coincided with a significant rise in fuel prices due to the conflict in the Middle East, which has increased demand for electric vehicles. “Consumers have begun to accept electric cars as a viable option for their lifestyle. It’s unfortunate that supply issues and rising fuel prices were likely necessary, as their impact on the economy is much greater,” said the executive.
Bhindi also acknowledged that Mazda wants to take advantage of this situation to expand its lineup. “Our 20-year partnership with Changan Automotive in Nanjing is a strong alliance. We have begun discussing what other opportunities might exist,” he said. No new models have been confirmed yet, but his remarks make it clear that Mazda is considering continuing to use technology from its Chinese partner.
The next model could be a smaller, more affordable electric SUV
The collaboration between the two companies has already led to the development of the Mazda 6e, based on the Deepal L07, and the CX-6e, which uses the Deepal S07 as its foundation. This strategy has enabled Mazda to introduce two modern electric vehicles in a relatively short period, avoiding the need to bear all the costs associated with developing new platforms on its own.
One candidate to expand this family could be the Deepal S05. It is an electric SUV that is more compact than the S07 and has been available in China for about two years. Both share the EPA1 platform, so technically it might be relatively straightforward to adapt the smaller model to Mazda’s needs.
If this becomes a reality, the Japanese manufacturer would have an electric SUV positioned below the CX-6e, with a more affordable price point. However, Bhindi has not confirmed the S05 as an official project, nor has it announced its potential name, technical specifications, or release timeline.
Mazda wants to continue leveraging Chinese technology
Although the Mazda 6e and CX-6e share a significant portion of their architecture with Deepal’s models, the collaboration isn’t simply about replacing one brand logo with another. Mazda uses different production facilities, and its engineering teams in Japan and Europe have played a major role in developing and adapting both vehicles.
This formula allows the company to reduce costs and accelerate product launches without completely abandoning its own development standards. Additionally, it leverages the experience Changan has accumulated in electric platforms, which is precisely one of the areas where Chinese manufacturers have made the fastest progress in recent years. For now, the only certainty is that Mazda and Changan are exploring new opportunities following their first two joint projects.
