Mazda Plans to Accelerate Electric Car Rollout with New Division

Will Mazda’s electric car rollout propel the brand into a new era of automotive excellence?

Mazda, known for its slower approach to electric vehicles, is set to pick up the pace in the second half of the decade with the launch of seven or eight new electric models. The Japanese carmaker has established a standalone division called e-Mazda to focus on the development, engineering, marketing, and sales of these electric cars. The first models are expected to debut between 2025 and 2027 and will be built on a new scalable architecture. Let’s delve into the details.

Mazda, a carmaker known for taking its time with electric vehicle (EV) development, is looking to accelerate its electric car rollout in the coming years. According to Automotive News, the company has announced plans to introduce seven or eight new electric models.

Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro revealed the formation of a new division called e-Mazda, which will be responsible for the development, engineering, marketing, and sales of these electric cars. This move signals Mazda’s commitment to advancing its electrification efforts.

The first of these new electric models is expected to hit the market sometime between 2025 and 2027. These vehicles will be built on a new scalable architecture, although it’s unclear if it’s related to the SkyActive Scalable EV Architecture that Mazda plans to introduce after 2025.

With the establishment of the e-Mazda division, engineers will have the task of choosing from three different electric motor sizes, ranging in output from 70 to 110kW. The lineup is also expected to offer both single- and dual-motor layouts.

Moro-san, the Mazda CEO, stated that the focus of the new suite of electric cars will be on crossovers. He explained that the decision to not offer small electric cars stems from the high cost of batteries for those segments.

While it’s uncertain if these new electric models will be available globally, recent reports suggest that Mazda is planning to launch an electric crossover in North America in 2025, utilizing an existing nameplate.

Moro-san also emphasized that Mazda will be cautious in its approach to electric vehicles, referring to the company as an ‘intentional follower’. He pointed out the uncertainty of demand in the current market and suggested that the ramp-up for electric vehicle production may be slower than anticipated.

Mazda has set an ambitious target of selling only hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2030. The company anticipates that BEVs will make up at least 25% of its lineup by that time.

Recently, Mazda Australia made significant changes to its lineup, discontinuing the mild-hybrid and all-electric MX-30 as well as the petrol- and diesel-powered CX-8, in order to align with its future strategy.

As part of its mid-term management plan, Mazda has committed to investing ¥1.5 trillion (~A$16 billion) in the development of electric vehicles, with a focus on three phases. Mazda Australia’s managing director, Vinesh Bhindi, assured customers that the brand will continue to provide exciting models throughout this electrification journey.

Mazda has already confirmed its plan to launch five hybrid, five PHEV, and three BEV models globally between 2022 and 2025. These models will utilize the SkyActiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture, which supports different engine layouts.

With this new division and ambitious plans, Mazda is gearing up for a more significant presence in the electric vehicle market, while remaining mindful of the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead.

• Mazda will launch seven or eight electric models in the next few years
• A new division, e-Mazda, will handle the development and sales of these electric cars
• The first electric models will debut between 2025 and 2027
• Mazda will focus on crossovers and will likely not offer small electric cars
• The company is cautious about the uncertain demand for electric vehicles

Mazda is ready to step up its game in the electric car arena with the launch of multiple new models in the coming years. With the establishment of e-Mazda, a dedicated division for electric vehicles, the company is focused on developing and selling these electric cars. While the demand for electric vehicles remains uncertain, Mazda is determined to be a player in this rapidly evolving market. As we eagerly await the arrival of Mazda’s electric lineup, there’s no doubt that the brand’s commitment to innovation and electrification will shape its future.