Regardless, Mazda is accelerating its plans to build its first committed electric vehicle. The next Mazda EV will be manufactured in Japan and will be based on a new in-house platform. Here’s what we know so far.
Although Mazda isn’t the first brand that comes to mind when you think of electric vehicles, the Japanese automaker is finally taking a step in the right direction.
Mazda revealed on Monday that it plans to build a new module pack plant in Japan for cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells.
The new factory will use Panasonic Energy battery cells to produce modules and batteries for electric vehicles. Mazda expects to have up to 10 GWh of annual capacity at its facilities. The batteries will power Mazda’s first committed electric vehicle, which will also build a new electric vehicle platform in Japan.
Mazda said it’s “steadily preparing for electrification technologies” under its 2030 Management Plan. The strategy calls for a three-phase approach through 2030.
The first phase hits your existing technology. Secondly, Mazda will introduce a new hybrid formula and vehicles that opt for electric vehicles in China.
The third and final phase calls for the “full launch” of electric cars and battery production. By 2030, Mazda expects electric cars to account for 25% to 40% of global sales.
Mazda introduced the EZ-6, a sedan, in China last October. It starts at 139,800 yuan, or about $19,200, and is manufactured through its Chinese joint venture, Changan Mazda.
Based on Changan’s hybrid platform, the electric sedan is offered in EV and extended-range (EREV) options. The all-electric model gets up to 600 km (372 miles) CLTC range with fast charging (30% to 80%) in 15 minutes.
By 2030, Mazda expects electric cars to account for 25% to 40% of sales.
The question is what your total sales will be at this point. The ICE vehicle market will shrink year over year compared to the electric vehicle market every year for the next five years and beyond. They seem to expect that 60-75% of sales in a declining market will continue to constitute a significant share of the market. I think that pretty much excludes China, Europe, and most of Asia. Even the United States has done more than that until then. Even with Trump in place for a maximum of that time.
These are figures they have achieved in most of their key markets last year.
At 4,921 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, and 1,485 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,895 mm, Mazda’s EZ-6 is about the size of a Tesla Model 3 (4,720 mm long, 1,922 mm wide, and 1,441 mm tall with a 2,875 mm wheelbase).
Inside, the electric sedan features a stylish setup with a 14. 6″ infotainment system, a 10. 1″ driver demo display, and a 50″ AR head-up display. It also includes weightless reclining seats and smart features like voice control.
The EZ-6 is already off to a good start, with 2,445 models sold in November. According to Changan Mazda, the new electric vehicle is one of the three best-selling new midsize sedans (NEVs) in China in its first month of listing.
Will it be Mazda’s first committed electric vehicle like the EZ-6? We’ll find out when Mazda intends to launch the first electric vehicle models on its new in-house platform in 2027. Stay tuned for more information.
Peter Johnson is covering the auto industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is an experienced investor, financial writer, and EV enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is a significant reason he pursued a career in investments. If he isn’t telling you about his latest 10K findings, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or exercising