The EV Truck Trend Is Expanding, But Mazda Is Taking a Different Path | Carscoops

      The Mazda BT-50 will not have a fully electric variant like its closely-related counterpart, the Isuzu D-Max.

      According to the managing director of Mazda Australia, there are currently no plans to introduce an electric truck in the near future. He insists that diesel will remain a viable option and does not foresee plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles being the only alternatives available.

      This indicates that the Mazda BT-50 will not take the same direction as the upcoming Isuzu D-Max EV.

      In recent years, the market has seen an increase in trucks equipped with fully electric, plug-in hybrid, or mild-hybrid powertrains. However, some argue that traditional diesel is still the best choice for such vehicles. Mazda Australia continues to support diesel trucks, even with the potential availability of an EV powertrain for the BT-50.

      The Mazda BT-50 is a midsize truck that shares its platform with the Isuzu D-Max, which has recently introduced a fully electric model. The D-Max EV delivers 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS) from dual electric motors and boasts a WLTP range of 263 km (163 miles) with its 66.9 kWh battery. However, it comes with a significantly higher starting price compared to its diesel counterpart.

      In a conversation with Drive.com.au, Vinesh Bhindi, the managing director of Mazda Australia, was asked about the possibility of a BT-50 EV. Bhindi mentioned that Mazda is not prepared to make any announcements at this time, stating:

      “I don’t think we will be having a battery EV ute anytime soon. But we will let the market indicate if there is a demand for it, and then Mazda will consider the options.”

      The Ford Ranger, BYD Shark, and GMW Cannon Alpha have already introduced plug-in hybrid technology in the midsize truck category, with the upcoming Nissan Navara and the next Mitsubishi Triton expected to follow. However, the head of Mazda Australia does not perceive PHEVs as a threat:

      “Diesel in utes is here to stay. I don’t foresee a future where plug-in hybrids or battery EV utes are the only choices; diesel still makes sense. Additionally, when you consider the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), diesel technology still presents a better CO2 output compared to alternatives.”

      These remarks indicate that the Mazda BT-50 is unlikely to offer a zero-emission variant anytime soon. Nevertheless, a modest level of electrification could be on the horizon, similar to the Toyota Hilux, which recently adopted a mild-hybrid diesel system. This would maintain the advantages of diesel (like high low-end torque, reliability, and towing capacity) while also reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

      The third generation of the BT-50 was launched in 2020 and received a facelift in 2024. It is currently offered in Australia with two turbodiesel engine options. The standard 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine generates 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, while the more powerful 3.0-liter engine produces 187 hp (140 kW / 190 PS) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft).