Mazda will launch a new electric SUV by 2027 as part of its updated electrification strategy, the Japanese automaker announced.
The company plans to develop its first in-house EV platform by 2027, while maintaining its commitment to combustion engines with a new line of Skyactiv-Z motors for its hybrid models.
Electric vehicles will make up 25% to 40% of Mazda’s lineup by 2030, with the remainder being hybrids.
The new platform will adapt to various hardware and software configurations and support multiple battery types. Mazda is partnering with Panasonic to develop these batteries.
While pushing forward with EV development, Mazda has reduced its investment from ¥2 trillion (£10.2 billion) to approximately ¥1.5 trillion (£7.7 billion).
The company will rely on technology sharing with partners including Toyota, Denso, BluE Nexus, and Changan Automobile to keep costs down during its electric transition.
The 2030 strategy includes implementing model-based development across Mazda’s entire supply chain to improve efficiency in 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.”
Mazda reinforced its electric commitment earlier this year by launching the Mazda6e, positioned as a competitor to the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, and BMW i4.
The company’s first EV, the MX-30 crossover, launched in 2020. While the vehicle earned praise for its RX-8 inspired “suicide” doors and handling, it faced criticism for its 124-mile WLTP range.
