Mazda shuns electric pickups: BT-50 stays diesel-first
Mazda rules out electric BT-50 as rivals go hybrid and EV
Mazda shuns electric pickups: BT-50 stays diesel-first
Mazda says the BT-50 won't go electric, choosing proven diesel power that meets Australia's NVES targets while rivals launch hybrid and EV utes. Details inside.
2025-08-28T14:57:19+03:00
2025-08-28T14:57:19+03:00
2025-08-28T14:57:19+03:00
Mazda has made it clear it has no plans to launch electric versions of its pickup trucks, according to Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi, who spoke to local media.The company continues to sell the BT-50, which is based on the Isuzu D-Max, in several markets including Australia. Isuzu has already shown an electric D-Max, but Mazda is not considering that powertrain for its own models.Bhindi emphasized that diesel engines remain the right fit for this segment, even as rivals such as the Ford Ranger, BYD Shark, and GWM Cannon Alpha roll out hybrid and electric options. He said Mazda’s diesel variants deliver competitive CO2 outputs under Australia’s new NVES standards. The stance comes across as pragmatic amid a wave of electrified newcomers.Updated for 2025, the current BT-50 is offered with 2.2- and 3.0-liter engines producing up to 188 hp and 450 Nm of torque. As the market leans into electrification, Mazda is backing proven hardware, and buyers keep choosing it for reliability and affordability. It’s a steady course that prioritizes what this audience values most over chasing trends for their own sake.
Mazda BT-50, electric pickup, diesel pickup, Australia NVES, Isuzu D-Max, Ford Ranger, BYD Shark, GWM Cannon Alpha, 2025 update, 188 hp, 450 Nm torque, pickup truck market
2025
Michael Powers
news
Mazda rules out electric BT-50 as rivals go hybrid and EV
Mazda says the BT-50 won't go electric, choosing proven diesel power that meets Australia's NVES targets while rivals launch hybrid and EV utes. Details inside.
Michael Powers, Editor
Mazda has made it clear it has no plans to launch electric versions of its pickup trucks, according to Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi, who spoke to local media.
The company continues to sell the BT-50, which is based on the Isuzu D-Max, in several markets including Australia. Isuzu has already shown an electric D-Max, but Mazda is not considering that powertrain for its own models.
Bhindi emphasized that diesel engines remain the right fit for this segment, even as rivals such as the Ford Ranger, BYD Shark, and GWM Cannon Alpha roll out hybrid and electric options. He said Mazda’s diesel variants deliver competitive CO2 outputs under Australia’s new NVES standards. The stance comes across as pragmatic amid a wave of electrified newcomers.
Updated for 2025, the current BT-50 is offered with 2.2- and 3.0-liter engines producing up to 188 hp and 450 Nm of torque. As the market leans into electrification, Mazda is backing proven hardware, and buyers keep choosing it for reliability and affordability. It’s a steady course that prioritizes what this audience values most over chasing trends for their own sake.
