{"id":241705,"date":"2023-10-12T13:19:03","date_gmt":"2023-10-12T13:19:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/automotobuzz.com\/?p=241705"},"modified":"2023-10-12T13:19:03","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T13:19:03","slug":"electric-mazda-mx-5-possible-but-current-batteries-are-too-heavy-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/automotobuzz.com\/news-features\/electric-mazda-mx-5-possible-but-current-batteries-are-too-heavy-report\/","title":{"rendered":"Electric Mazda MX-5 Possible But Current Batteries Are Too Heavy: Report"},"content":{"rendered":"
If we have to make a very short description of the Mazda MX-5, we\u2019d probably say it is one of the last remaining old-school cars still on sale today. It seems that even the Japanese automaker is now looking into the future of the roadster though, as a new report indicates that Mazda is contemplating the idea of electrifying the four-wheeled legend.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Kato Matsue, the powertrain development boss at Mazda, shared insights into Mazda\u2019s electrified future with TopGear<\/em>. The publication seized the opportunity to explore the possibility of an electric MX-5 with Matsue. In response, Matsue stated, “That’s a possibility. The MX-5’s main markets are the United States, Europe, and Japan. Japan is a bit behind, but the market demand is changing towards electrification. So we need to think about that.”<\/p>\n He further explained: “By 2030, all our products will have some electrification. So that means the sports car is not outside of that scope. But I can’t say exactly when we’ll introduce a battery on the MX-5 at this moment.”<\/p>\n One cannot ignore the fundamental Mazda philosophy, Jinba Ittai, TopGear<\/em> elaborates, which emphasizes the perfect harmony between horse and rider. It’s a concept that seemingly contradicts the industry’s ongoing shift towards heavier lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. Matsue seems to be worried, too.<\/p>\n “Thinking about our development duration [until 2030], seven years is a short time. I don’t expect power density to become two or three times [better] compared to the current power density. Of course, I expect better, but I don’t think that will happen. We don’t want to have a very heavy MX-5. So if the MX-5 is 1.5 tonnes of peak weight, that is not the MX-5.”<\/p>\n It\u2019s worth pointing out that Mazda currently has one of the most conservative approaches toward electrification in the automotive industry. The brand\u2019s only battery-powered model is the MX-30, and it follows its own philosophy that is different from most other EVs. It seems that the focus will remain on hybrid vehicles as Matsue uses the word electrified<\/em> instead of electric<\/em> when speaking about the MX-5.\u00a0<\/p>\n The current MX-5, now in its fourth generation, remains as popular as ever. A total of 7,569 units have been delivered to customers in the United States so far in 2023, which represents a major increase over last year’s results. Another facelift is reportedly on the horizon, possibly extending the fourth-gen MX-5’s lifespan beyond 10 years.<\/p>\n If Mazda gives the production green light for an electric version of the roadster, the current model in a refreshed form will most likely fill the gap until the zero emissions version arrives. The manufacturer has also recently announced its focus on the MX-5 at the Japan Mobility Show, formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show, teasing a mysterious MX-5 concept just a few days ago.<\/p>\n Gallery: 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata (JDM) <\/h3>\n
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