'Remains a niche technology': 2026 Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 plug-in hybrid still uncertain for Australia to battle Omoda 9 and BYD Sealion 8, but more electric cars are a possibility

Mazda offers plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power in its CX-70 and CX-90 large SUVs in other markets, including the United States, however they’re still not locked in for Australia.

Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi said PHEV options are available for both cars, but more sales need to happen.

“That technology is available in [CX-]70 and [CX-]90 in the US, but they will need to do some R&D people will need to do some engineering work to make it compliant for our market,” said Bhindi.

“Not a huge job, but at this stage, plug-in hybrid still remains a niche technology and I think there needs to be more growth before we say absolutely we’ll do it.”

Mazda already offers a PHEV set-up in its other Large Architecture-based SUVs, the CX-60 and CX-80.

It’s worth noting these two Mazda SUVs are the best-selling Large Architecture-based SUVs in Australia. The larger and more US-focused CX-70 and CX-90 have both been slower-selling locally.

Instead of prioritising more PHEVs, Bhindi noted the company could lean further on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Australia to offset fines that are incurred from the recently introduced New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).

“We are, as an industry, [are] in an interesting phase,” said Bhindi.

“So the NVES [fines] have come in from 1st of July. There have been more options available for consumers when it comes to pure battery electric.

“When you fast forward a few years, pure battery electric is the only one that will give credits [to] offset the fines.

“At this stage, pure battery electric vehicles have stagnated about eight, nine-ish per cent [sales].

“The choice has improved and the choice will continue to improve.

“I think the task for the industry and the government is, how do we continue to encourage consumers to consider a battery electric vehicle as their preferred choice?

“Otherwise, that equation won’t work for fines and credits.”

Mazda hasn’t offered a BEV in Australia since 2023, but this could soon change if everything goes to plan for the Japanese carmaker.

“We are putting a business case together for Mazda 6e at this stage because that is available in a right-hand drive version globally,” said Bhindi.

“Now, whether the SUV version [called the EZ-60 in China] is available in right-hand drive outside of China is a decision yet to be made by Mazda Corporation.

“So we’re building a business case. We are looking at our options there and we should be in a position to make a decision on that within months.”