Mazda, the brand known for its iconic “Zoom-Zoom” philosophy, has built a reputation for engaging driving dynamics and attainable premium style. But in the fast-moving world of electric vehicles, Mazda has often appeared slow to commit. Rival automakers are aggressively expanding EV lineups, opening battery factories, and racing ahead—while Mazda seems to be taking a more cautious, measured approach.
Still, for fans waiting for a true Mazda EV, there is finally reason to get excited.
Mazda’s First Full Battery-Electric Model Arrives in 2025
Mazda North America CEO Tom Donnelly recently confirmed that Mazda will launch its first true Mazda EV by 2025. Although details remain scarce, Donnelly hinted that the upcoming model is likely to be a crossover—potentially a successor to the popular CX-5, which shares a platform with the CX-50.
This marks a meaningful shift for the brand, showing that Mazda is listening to market demands while acknowledging the challenges of infrastructure and mass electrification.
Why Mazda Is Moving Slowly Toward Full Electrification
Donnelly emphasized that Mazda’s current strategy focuses heavily on hybrids, particularly plug-in hybrids, which they believe suit today’s market realities. Charging limitations and the ongoing infrastructure rollout make PHEVs a more practical stepping stone for many drivers—at least in Mazda’s view.
However, Mazda’s existing hybrid lineup is modest, especially in the U.S. The CX-90 PHEV stands as the flagship electrified model, while other markets get the CX-60 Hybrid and the Mazda 2 Hybrid—the latter essentially a rebadged Toyota Yaris. The short-lived Mazda MX-30 EV experiment in California also showed the brand’s cautious engagement with full battery-electric tech.
A Bigger Mazda EV Push Is Coming Between 2028 and 2030
Despite its slow beginnings, Mazda does have major plans for electrification. Last fall, the automaker revealed an ambitious roadmap that includes a series of new BEVs launching from 2028 to 2030. These new Mazda EV models are expected to represent 25–40% of the brand’s global sales volume, signaling a serious long-term commitment.
Mazda is also collaborating with major tech and automotive partners:
Panasonic, for next-generation battery development
Toyota, for hybrid and upcoming BEV technologies
And for enthusiasts, rumors suggest that an electrified MX-5 Miata could debut at the Tokyo Mobility Show, bringing Mazda’s beloved roadster into the EV era.
Is Mazda’s Slow-and-Steady Strategy Enough?
Mazda’s approach to EVs resembles a careful chess strategy—deliberate, cautious, but potentially effective. While it avoids the pitfalls of rushing into a crowded market, the risk is clear: as global demand for electric vehicles accelerates, Mazda could fall behind competitors that are moving faster and thinking bigger.
The next few years will determine whether Mazda’s calculated moves pay off—or whether they’ll be forced to make a rapid pivot in the growing Mazda EV landscape.
