New battery with 200 kW DC: Mazda6e charges faster for the new model year
The Mazda6e will receive a new, large LFP battery for the 2027 model year, replacing the two previous battery options. The battery offers up to 200 kW of fast charging capacity – a significant improvement, as the DC charging time had been a major drawback in the long-range version of the Mazda6e.
The Mazda6e is the result of a partnership between Mazda and its Chinese partner Changan. It is based on Changan’s EPA1 architecture and is also produced in China. For the new model year, the partners have delivered a major update to this five-door hatchback sedan. At the heart of these changes is a 78-kWh LFP battery, which replaces the previous smaller LFP battery (68.8 kWh) as well as the NMC battery (80 kWh). As a result, the Mazda6e will no longer be available in the two BEV versions named Mazda6e 258 and Mazda6e 245 Long Range, where the numbers in the names referred to horsepower output, but will instead be offered as a single model equipped with a 78-kWh LFP battery and a 190-kW rear-wheel drive system.
Mazda essentially combines the previously good DC charging performance of the smaller battery with the range of the larger battery. Thanks to a 200-kW charging capacity, the DC charging time is reduced to just 24 minutes (10–80% SoC). Previously, the Long-Range version of the Mazda6e, equipped with its 80-kWh NMC battery, required an outdated 47 minutes to charge within the same window, as its DC charging capacity was only 95 kW. Meanwhile, the range changes little: it increases slightly from 552 kilometers to 560 kilometers. AC charging remains at the industry standard of 11 kW.
The further updates for the new model year are primarily of an aesthetic and feature-related nature. Starting now, the 2027 Mazda6e is also available in the sporty Homura Plus trim level, which sits above the base Takumi trim and at the same level as the previous top-tier Takumi Plus. Inside, this is reflected in black seat covers with red accent stitching, which can also be found on the leather steering wheel. Externally, Homura Plus also features high-gloss black decorative elements. Additionally, the Takumi Plus trim level receives an upgrade as well. Customers can now choose between white or light brown seat covers, with dark wood-inspired decorative elements added to the interior as well.
According to the Japanese manufacturer, overall improvements also include driving performance, driver assistance systems, navigation, usability, as well as handling dynamics and ride comfort. For example, “the response of the accelerator pedal has been optimized to create a more natural and predictable connection between the driver and the vehicle,” Mazda states. The maximum acceleration has also been improved, along with the maximum adjustable regenerative braking capacity.
Further improvements relate to operation via the 14.6-inch touch display. Mazda states that it has refined the terminology throughout the system and enhanced the quality of text-to-speech and voice recognition functions. An updated navigation route planning feature is also mentioned: “The system can now display charging stations and their availability, recommend a suitable charging station when the battery level is low, and dynamically recalculate routes if needed.” Additionally, “drivers can set their preferred battery level upon arrival at charging stations during the trip and at the destination to create a personalized charging stop plan.”
In addition, the Mazda6e’s advanced steering assistance (CTS) has received an update and is now available up to a speed of 160 km/h. The lane-keeping assist has also been recalibrated and now responds more gently than before, according to the manufacturer. Another new feature is a “Pet Comfort Mode” that regulates the interior temperature during short parking stops.
The price for the new model year starts at 47,490 euros. Mazda lists the higher-trim versions Homura Plus and Takumi Plus at 49,490 euros. These variants are already available for configuration in the German configurator. The previous two trims cost 44,900 euros and 46,900 euros respectively.