Mazda's New EV Has a Range-Extending Gas Engine, But It's Not a Rotary

The EZ-60 uses a traditional gas engine as part of Mazda's joint venture in China.

Photo by: MIIT

By: Adrian Padeanu

Updated: Apr 18, 2025 at 5:55am ET

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The EZ-60 doesn’t look like your typical Mazda SUV, and that’s because it’s not really a Mazda. This upcoming Tesla Model Y rival is closely related to the Deepal S07, a product of Changan, Mazda’s joint venture partner in China. After official images revealed the design earlier this month, technical specifications have now surfaced via the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

As predicted, the EZ-60 will be available with a range-extending gasoline engine, mirroring its sedan sibling, the EZ-6. While the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV employs an 830-cc rotary engine as a generator, this larger electric SUV opts for a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter engine. It doesn’t drive the wheels, since its role is to charge a 31.7-kilowatt-hour battery that delivers 88 miles (160 kilometers) of range under the forgiving CLTC cycle. Although a total driving range hasn’t been disclosed, the EZ-6 can travel up to 808 miles (1,300 km) with its range extender, rivaling some long-haul European diesels.

Photo by: MIIT

Power comes from a 255-horsepower electric motor mounted at the rear axle, while the gasoline engine contributes 97 hp as a generator. MIIT documents reveal the EZ-60 tips the scales at 4,391 pounds. A simpler, fully electric version of the EZ-60 is also on the way, though its technical specs remain under wraps. Logic tells us it'll weigh a lot more due to a significantly larger battery pack.

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While we generally don’t cover cars sold in China, the EZ-60 and EZ-6 are relevant because they’ll be sold in other markets. The sedan has already been rebranded as the 6e for Europe, and the SUV is expected to adopt a new name as well, potentially CX-6e. Still, much like the rotary-equipped MX-30, don’t expect to see this EV SUV in the U.S., especially amid escalating trade tensions.

Mazda may be leaning on its Chinese partner for quicker EV rollouts, but it’s not giving up on building its own electric future. A new in-house EV on a dedicated platform is due in 2027, with additional derivatives to follow by the end of the decade.