Mazda Announces New Japanese Battery Plant for Electric Vehicle Production
Mazda revealed on Monday its plans to establish a new battery plant in Japan that will focus on assembling cylindrical cells into modules and battery packs for an upcoming electric vehicle. The facility, located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, aims to achieve an annual production capacity of 10 GWh.
This new plant will receive cell supplies from Panasonic under a partnership agreement that was approved by Japanese regulators in September 2024. The collaboration between Mazda and Panasonic is set to drive the production of modules and packs for Mazda’s first battery electric vehicle built on a dedicated platform, which is expected to debut in 2027.
While Mazda has previously introduced the MX-30 in electric and range-extended versions, the modules and packs from the new plant will be specifically designated for the brand’s upcoming electric SUV. Additionally, there are plans for North American cell production, potentially from a new factory in De Soto, Kansas.
Mazda’s decision to use cylindrical cells for its EVs aligns with the strategies of leading electric vehicle manufacturers like Tesla and Lucid. This choice is expected to bring efficiency gains, despite Mazda’s emphasis on developing longer-range electric vehicles.
Furthermore, the adoption of cylindrical cells by automakers like BMW and General Motors signals a broader industry shift towards enhancing efficiency and flexibility in electric vehicle technology.