Understanding how each Engine and Transmission works, can help you choose a car that suits your driving habits and travel needs.

What Are MHEV, PHEV and BEV?

There are three key levels of electric motors to understand:

• MHEV – Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle
• PHEV – Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
• BEV – Battery Electric Vehicle

The main difference between them is how much of the drive relies on electric power verse Fuel. Mazda’s approach to electric cars is to provide options designed to suit all different types of drivers by offering various models with different Electric technology.

Let's take a closer look at each option.

Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEV)

A Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle, or MHEV, combines both a petrol engine with a small electric motor and battery system.

Are you the type to forget to charge your phone at night? Not a problem because a MHEV does not need to be plugged into a charger. Instead, the electrical system captures energy during deceleration and uses that stored energy to help the engine.

This improves fuel efficiency and reduces carbon dioxide emissions while allowing you to continue driving no different than a conventional petrol vehicle.

Mazda's Mild Hybrid technology is available across models including the mid-size CX-60, Larger 5-seater CX-70, 7-seater CX-80 and premium 7-seater CX-90.

Is an MHEV right for you?

A mild hybrid can be a great option if you want to take a step towards electrification without changing your habits. You don't need to install a home charger, and there is no need to plan your journeys around charging stops.

For drivers who spend a lot of time driving or travelling longer distances, an MHEV can provide an great introduction to electric driving, lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)

A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, or PHEV, combines a petrol engine with a larger battery and electric motor.

The biggest difference between an MHEV and a PHEV is that a PHEV can be driven solely using electric power with petrol as a back-up or combined when needed. A PHEV also needs to be plugged in and charged, reaching a full charge in as little as 8.5 hours* but also features regenerative braking to capture energy whilst you drive.

Mazda's PHEV range currently includes models such as the versatile 5-seater Mazda CX-60 and large 7-seater Mazda CX-80.

Is a PHEV right for you?

A PHEV would be best suited if most of your daily driving is relatively short such as school drop-offs but you regularly embark on longer journeys during the holidays or weekends.

You can charge at home or use public charging infrastructure for your electric driving, while still having a petrol engine available when out of range of a charger or you just forget.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)

A Battery Electric Vehicle, or BEV, is fully electric.

Unlike an MHEV or PHEV, there is no petrol engine or fuel tank at all. The vehicle is powered entirely by an electric motor and high-voltage battery.

Mazda's all-electric range now includes the sleek Mazda 6e, with the all-electric Mazda CX-6e SUV also available for pre-order.

The Mazda 6e offers rear-wheel drive, 190kW of electric power and a 78kWh battery, with a claimed range of up to 560km under WLTP testing conditions. With even enough power for a braked towing capacity of up to 1,500kg. And superfast charging 30-80% in 15 minutes*.

For drivers searching for Mazda 6 Melbourne, the Mazda 6e represents an exciting new chapter for the nameplate, combining Mazda's focus on driving dynamics and design with fully electric performance.

The Mazda CX-6e has a slightly less km range than the Mazda6e but provides a larger build to fit the whole family and everything they come with.

Is a BEV right for you?

A battery electric vehicle is perfect if you're ready to make the move to a fully electric drive.

BEVs offer quiet, smooth and have responsive driving, with zero emissions. And with at home charger becoming an easy addition to the home, they can also be particularly convenient for drivers to charge overnight.

Which Mazda Electrified Vehicle Is Right for You?

There isn't one electrified powertrain that is right for everyone. Your ideal choice depends on your lifestyle and driving habits and access to charging.

Choose MHEV if:
You want improved efficiency without needing to plug your vehicle in.

Choose PHEV if:
You want the option of electric-only driving while retaining the flexibility of a petrol engine.

Choose BEV if:
You're ready to make the move to fully electric driving and have access to convenient charging.

New, Demo and Used Mazda Vehicles in Melbourne

Electric Cars aren’t just Mazda new Cars At Brighton Mazda, you can explore a wide range of Mazda demo and pre-owned vehicles that include Hybrids and Electric Models.

If you're looking for a newer model at a competitive price, a Mazda demo is the perfect choice. Demos are our most recent models and technology while potentially offering excellent value with only a few km on the odometer.

You can explore Mazda and used vehicle stock at Brighton Mazda to see what's currently available.

Why Choose Brighton Mazda?

Finding the right vehicle is only part of the Brighton Mazda Family. Ongoing servicing and support are also important services we provide with an exceptional experience.

At Brighton Mazda, our Service technicians use Mazda Genuine Parts, the latest diagnostic technology and Mazda-specific expertise to help keep your vehicle performing at its best.

Our dedicated Mazda service department can assist with scheduled servicing, maintenance and vehicle inspections.

You can book your Mazda service at Brighton Mazda or speak with the team about your vehicle.

Explore Mazda Electrification at Brighton Mazda

Whether you're curious about mild hybrid technology, interested in a plug-in hybrid SUV or ready to experience a fully electric Mazda, there are tonnes of options to suit your needs, all in stock and ready for delivery.

From the efficiency of MHEV technology to the flexibility of PHEV and the fully electric driving experience of the Mazda 6e Sedan or CX-6e SUV, Mazda's electrification strategy is designed to give Australian drivers choice.

The best way to understand the difference is to experience it for yourself.

Visit Brighton Mazda to explore the latest Mazda range, compare new and pre-owned options, and speak with our team about which powertrain best suits your lifestyle.

Explore the latest Mazda vehicles and current stock at Brighton Mazda.

Lets Go! With great value across the Mazda range, Book a test drive and get that Zoom Zoom feeling today at Paradise Mazda