Mazda has announced its plans to launch a new line of electric vehicles, with the first model set to debut in 2027. The Japanese automaker will be building a battery factory in partnership with Panasonic Energy in the Yamaguchi Prefecture in Japan to supply battery packs for its upcoming EVs. The new factory will have an annual production capacity of 10 GWh and will exclusively supply batteries for Mazda’s electric vehicles.
The batteries produced at this facility will feature cylindrical cells from Panasonic Energy, a key technology partner for Mazda. The collaboration aims to not only supply batteries for Mazda’s EVs but also to drive research and development in lithium-ion battery technology, with a potential transition to solid-state batteries in the future.
While specific details about Mazda’s upcoming electric vehicles are still scarce, the first model is expected to be a crossover/SUV. This new EV is part of Mazda’s broader strategy to introduce bespoke electric models, with a plug-in hybrid derivative also under consideration for launch after 2028.
In addition to its partnership with Panasonic, Mazda is also collaborating with China’s Changan Automobile to produce electric vehicles. The joint venture has already introduced the Mazda EZ-6 electric sedan, which is available as a pure battery electric vehicle or with a range extender option. The EZ-6 is based on the Deepal L07, a midsize sedan developed by Changan in collaboration with Huawei and CATL.
Furthermore, Mazda is planning to launch a second fully electric model as part of its partnership with Changan. A crossover version of the L07, called the S07, will likely serve as the basis for another Mazda electric SUV, set to launch in late 2025. These Changan-based Mazda models are expected to be sold globally, with the EZ-6 sedan already confirmed for the European market.
As Mazda ventures into the electric vehicle market, the company aims to deliver “advanced design, superior convenience, and extended driving ranges” with its new EVs. The automaker’s commitment to the “Joy of Driving” as a core principle for its electric models underscores its dedication to providing a sporty and engaging driving experience, a hallmark of Mazda’s brand identity.
With its focus on developing bespoke electric vehicles and establishing strategic partnerships for battery supply, Mazda is positioning itself to compete in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market. The upcoming debut of its first ground-up electric vehicle in 2027 marks an exciting new chapter for the Japanese automaker as it embraces electrification and innovation in the automotive industry.