When ICE Isn't Enough: Mazda's First Electric Still on Track for 2020, Plug-ins to Follow

Despite the recent development of a high-MPG, low-emission gasoline four-cylinder, Mazda’s future depends on lowering its emissions footprint even further. With regulators — especially those in Europe — backing ever more stringent environmental standards, Mazda hopes to avoid Fiat Chrysler-like penalties by adding a product at odds with the brand’s heritage. An electric vehicle.

With the help of its partners, Mazda’s new EV will make an appearance next year, followed up with a crop of plug-in hybrids buyers are more likely to take home.

In an interview with Automotive News, CEO Akira Marumoto said the popularity of the compact CX-5 is a major reason why his company’s European fleetwide emissions target remains unmet. The declining popularity of small diesel-powered models is another factor.

While the innovative Skyactiv-X internal combustion engine will certainly help the company make strides towards its goal, Marumoto said, it won’t be enough. (European orders for Mazda 3 models equipped with the engine opened last week; North American customers remain in wait-and-see mode).

Turning to future products, Marumoto said “the first Mazda battery-electric vehicle will hit the market next year. Finally, we will introduce plug-in hybrid models from 2021 or 2022. So we will eventually achieve the target, although we will have some difficulties in 2020.”

Smaller than its Japanese rivals and lacking their impressive R&D capability (as well as cash reserves), Mazda fields zero hybrids or EVs in its lineup. This is where teamwork comes in. Two years ago, Toyota bought a 5.05 percent stake in Mazda, with the two soon joining supplier Denso in signing an agreement to “jointly develop basic structural technologies for electric vehicles.” Financially and technologically, the effort is being spearheaded by Toyota, which footed 90 percent of the bill. Mazda and Denso ponied up the remainder.

The nature of the looming EV isn’t clear, though its development, removed from the rest of the Mazda product line, will ensure it appears as a standalone model. As for plug-in hybrids, Mazda isn’t the first rival automaker to benefit from Toyota’s development prowess. Ask Subaru about that.

A new rotary engine that may one day appear beneath the hood of a Mazda sports car might also find a home in the brand’s electrified offerings.

“Its first application will be as a range extender for EVs,” Marumoto said. “Inside Mazda, we all have the dream of seeing one day a vehicle powered by a rotary engine. But given the number of things we have to do, we had to put this on the back burner, and we have no time frame.”

[Image: Mazda]