Mazda to launch new electric SUV by 2027
Mazda says it will launch a new electric SUV by 2027, as part of its updated electrification strategy.
While Mazda will not completely move away from combustion engines, and plans a new line of Skyactiv-Z motors for its hybrid models, the Japanese carmaker will develop its first in-house developed EV platform by 2027. It plans for all-electric vehicles to comprise 25% – 40% of its vehicle line up by 2030. By the turn of the decade, the rest of the brand’s range will be hybrids.
Mazda promises that the platform will be adaptable in terms of hardware and software and will be used to underpin a number of Mazda’s upcoming all-electric models and accomodate various battery types. The platform’s batteries will be developed in collaboration with Panasonic.
While committing to further EV projects, the Hiroshima-based manufacturer said it was cutting investment from ¥2 trillion (£10.2 billion) to around ¥1.5 trillion (£7.7bn) and relying on technology sharing in areas such as electric architecture, electronics, hybrid systems, and battery and thermal management. To do so, it has partnered up with Toyota, Denso, BluE Nexus and Changan Automomobile to keep its EV transition as cost effective as possible.
Mazda’s 2030 strategy will also see it use model-based development across its entire supply chain to ensure a more efficient approach to vehicle development and production.
“As the automotive industry is going through a once-in-a-century seismic shift, Mazda keeps on evolving by updating our ‘joy of driving’ for the next generation of vehicles,” said Mazda CEO, Masahiro Moro. “All of us at Mazda are committed to striking the right balance of efficient business management and development of sustainable technology to deliver unique value regardless of business scale.”
Earlier this year, Mazda underlined its commitment to an electric future after launching its Mazda6e as a rival to the Tesla Model 3, the Polestar 2, and the BMW i4. However, the 6e isn’t Mazda’s first foray into the EV world. In 2020, it launched its MX-30 crossover. While praised for its RX-8 inspired ‘suicide’ doors and impressive handling, the MX-30 was also criticised for having a limited WLTP range of 124 miles.
