Hydrogen might be the last major renewable fuel source to enter the mainstream market. In recent years, electric vehicles have taken the spotlight, with everyday use becoming common enough to convert even old-school drivers into environmental advocates. But EVs aren’t the only green option. Hybrids are gaining momentum too, especially among those who still trust combustion engines as the more reliable choice. That trust, however, might be about to shift with the Mazda new SUV.
Hydrogen projects to make an innovative car
The demand for vehicles that run on renewable energy without adding to carbon emissions is more urgent than ever. Leading Japanese automakers are pouring resources into hydrogen projects, aiming to bring this fuel to cars beyond trucks and racing prototypes — like Toyota’s hydrogen-powered entry in the Dakar Rally for 2024 and 2025. The shift is crucial, and Honda is also stepping in, actively partnering with other companies in pursuit of their goal: zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Mazda is also joining the renewable energy vehicle industry with a new car. The company went from selling machinery to launch their first trucks in the 1980s and, in the following decade, commercialized rotary engines – a move that no one made beyond Mazda. Now, they are stepping up once again, but not to launch a tendency like hydrogen or go full electric on a car.
Mazda new hybrid car – what’s under the hood?
Mazda’s bet on Changan is starting to pay off. After the EZ-6 sedan made waves earlier this year, the new EZ-60 crossover is already drawing serious attention — with more than 33,000 pre-orders in China before even hitting showrooms. That’s before its European version, the CX-6e, even gets a release date.
The EZ-60 first showed up at the Shanghai Auto Show back in April. Within 48 hours, it had passed 10,000 pre-orders. By mid-July, that number had tripled, according to Chinese outlet NetEase. Official launch in China is set for September.
The EZ-60 is a midsize SUV — 4.85 meters long — and it’ll come in two versions: fully electric and range-extender hybrid – no hydrogen. It shares its EV platform with Changan’s Deepal S07 and promises solid range numbers, though Mazda hasn’t confirmed any specs yet. But the focus on aerodynamics suggests it’s not just about style.
The design of the EZ-60
Design-wise, it sticks close to the Mazda Arata concept — clean lines, split LED lights, and a sealed front grille give it a sharp, modern look. Inside, it’s stacked with tech: a 26.5-inch digital dashboard, a 100-inch AR heads-up display, digital rearview mirrors, and 23 speakers. Heated and ventilated seats round things out. It’s a clear sign Mazda wants to be seen as premium in the EV world.
Both the EZ-6 and EZ-60 are built by Changan in China through their joint venture with Mazda — and that won’t change for the European models. The EZ-6 becomes the Mazda 6e, and the EZ-60 turns into the CX-6e once it crosses borders.
Mazda hasn’t revealed the EZ-60’s price, but the EZ-6 ranges between ¥159,800 and ¥181,800 in China — roughly $22,300 to $25,400. Meanwhile, the 6e is expected to launch in Europe at €44,900 (around $52,500). So don’t be surprised if the CX-6e lands in a similar bracket. The price jump comes down to two things: fierce EV competition keeping Chinese prices low, and EU tariffs inflating the cost of imported cars.
Mazda working on new car catalogue
At the same time, Mazda is working on something entirely in-house — a new EV being built in Japan, expected in 2027. It’ll use Panasonic batteries and share a production line with Mazda’s current combustion and hybrid vehicles. The goal: streamline the process while expanding their footprint in the electric space – focusing not only on what is already a reality, but also assisting in the future of hydrogen fuel.
Our coverage of events affecting companies is purely informative and descriptive. Under no circumstances does it seek to promote an opinion or create a trend, nor can it be taken as investment advice or a recommendation of any kind.
Source: ecoportal.net
