The Mazda BT-50 won't be getting a fully electric version like the closely-related Isuzu D-Max
The managing director of Mazda Australia said they won't be offering an EV truck anytime soon. He believes that diesel is here to stay, and doesn't think that PHEV and BEV will be the only options. This means that the Mazda BT-50 won't be following the example of the Isuzu D-Max EV twin.
Over the past few years there has been a growing number of trucks with fully electric, plug-in hybrid, or mild-hybrid powertrains, but some believe that the good-old diesel remains the best fit for the job. The Australian arm of Mazda declares loyalty to diesel trucks, despite theoretically having access to an EV powertrain for the BT-50. The Mazda BT-50 is a midsize truck which is twined with the Isuzu D-Max. The latter has recently expanded its lineup with a fully electric version. The D-Max EV has an output of 188 hp from dual electric motors and a WLTP range of 263 km from a 66.9 kWh battery pack. However, it starting price is significantly higher than the equivalent diesel. More: New Electric Isuzu Pickup Comes With A Shocking Price Tag Our colleagues from Drive.com.au spoke to Vinesh Bhindi, Managing Director of Mazda Australia, asking him about a potential BT-50 EV. Bhindi replied that Mazda is not ready to make any announcements at this stage, and he added: “I don't think we will be having a battery EV ute anytime soon. But we will let the market tell us that there is room for it, and there is demand for it, and Mazda should consider what the options are.” The Ford Ranger, BYD Shark, and GMW Cannon Alpha have already brought plug-in hybrid tech in the midsize truck segment, while the upcoming Nissan Navara and the next Mitsubishi Triton are expected to follow the same road. Still, the boss of Mazda Australia doesn't believe that PHEVs are a threat: “Diesel in utes is here to stay, I don't see a future where plug-in hybrids or battery EV utes are the only options, I think diesel still makes sense. And when you look at the NVES , diesel technology still has better CO2 output compared to the others.” More: 2025 Mazda BT-50 Facelift Brings Sporty New Face And Bigger Screens These comments make it clear that the Mazda BT-50 won't be getting a zero-emission option - at least in the foreseeable future. Still, we can't entirely rule out a smaller dose of electrification, following the example of the Toyota Hilux which recently got a mild-hybrid diesel. After all, this doesn't sacrifice any of the advantages of the diesel while helping lower fuel consumption and emissions. The third generation of the BT-50 was introduced in 202 and received a facelift in 2024. Currently, it is available in Australia with two turbodiesel powertrains. The base 2.2-liter four-cylinder produces 161 hp and 400 Nm of torque, while the larger 3.0-liter is good for 187 hp and 450 Nm .
Diesel Electric Vehicles Isuzu Isuzu D-Max Mazda Mazda BT-50 Reports Trucks
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