Mazda Takes Major Step Toward Electrification with New Battery Plant in Japan
What Outcomes Will This Bring?
Mazda has announced that it will build a new facility in Japan to produce electric vehicle (EV) batteries as its electrification strategy takes a turn. The facility will be located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, producing 10GWh of battery packs per year using cylindrical battery modules supplied by Panasonic Energy.
So, what models will this battery pack be used for? Mazda explained that it will be installed in models based on the EV-only platform that the brand is developing for the first time. Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro announced that the platform development will be completed by 2027, revealing his intention to open a full-fledged electrification era through this.
Developing a Cutting-Edge EV Platform to Enhance Electrification Competitiveness
Mazda emphasized that the EV-only platform it is developing will provide “advanced design,” “excellent convenience,” and “long driving range.” Through this, it has aimed to provide consumers with performance and a driving experience differentiated from existing internal combustion engine models.
Although no specific release date or technical details have been released yet, the platform is expected to play a key role in Mazda’s future EV strategy. Mazda sees this announcement as a move to secure full-scale competitiveness in electrification.
Mazda’s Electrification Journey Has Already Begun, Starting Not in Japan but in China
Mazda has already taken its first steps toward electrification. The MX-30 crossover EV, released in 2019, was Mazda’s first pure EV. It was built on the SkyActiv platform designed for internal combustion engine models. Unfortunately, the model is currently discontinued in the North American market.
The mid-sized sedan EZ-6 was recently launched in the Chinese market. The model is based on the Changan platform and offers pure electric and range-extender versions. The same platform is expected to be used for the production version of the Mazda Arata EV concept, which is scheduled to be released in 2025. Of course, these will use Chinese batteries.
Mazda is Also Developing Solid-State Batteries, Moving Forward for the Future
Mazda has adopted Panasonic’s cylindrical batteries for now, but it is also accelerating the development of its battery technology for the future. Mazda is developing its high-density lithium-ion batteries and has announced plans to apply them to plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and EVs by 2030.
Mazda is also building an advanced research base for solid-state battery technology, which will be a key strategic asset for Mazda to secure a leading position in the future electrification market.
