It appears that Mazda has been taking a longer, more scenic route. While rival brands are actively expanding their battery factories and introducing ambitious electric vehicle (EV) lineups, Mazda appears to be taking a more relaxed approach.
Recent news has confirmed that Mazda is making preparations to introduce its inaugural battery-electric vehicle by the year 2025. The following news is directly from Mazda North America CEO, Tom Donnelly. It is important to pay attention when the senior leaders speak.
Donnelly provided limited information, but he did suggest that this impressive electric vehicle would probably be a crossover. There is speculation that the CX-50 might succeed the CX-5, which is interesting because they share many similarities. However, this move is not just a random occurrence in their roadmap. Donnelly emphasized that the brand’s direction is in line with the current market trends, and they believe that plug-in hybrids are the best choice for the current situation. The concerns related to infrastructure and the transition to full electrification are legitimate challenges. Therefore, their emphasis is on hybrids, including both plug-in and non-plug-in models.
One could argue that Mazda’s hybrid lineup is relatively limited. Certainly, in the US market, there is the CX-90 PHEV available. It is a remarkable piece of machinery, but it does come with a significant price tag. In addition, we also offer the CX-60 Hybrid and the Mazda 2 Hybrid in other markets. The CX-60 Hybrid is a relatively modest option, while the Mazda 2 Hybrid is essentially a Toyota Yaris with enhanced features. Let’s not overlook the brief appearance of the Mazda MX-30 EV in California, as it arrived and departed as swiftly as a California sunset.