Mazda has revealed that its next-generation MX-5 Miata will debut in the year 2026 and will be “electrified.” However, the automaker does not disclose much about the level of electrification that will be going to imply – hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or full electric.
Also, the confirmation is a little less on details, although Mazda said it would with Rohm Semiconductor. This is to produce electric motors and contemplates AESC for batteries.
In 2019, it has been reported that Mazda was taken into consideration for electrifying the next-gen Miata. At that time also, it wasn’t clear which variant they talking about, electric or hybrid. Though it will going to be a conventional or plug-in hybrid, rather than fully electric.
MX-5 going to remain lightweight
Mazda’s branding and R&D chiefs at the time said that the car as well as the brand requires to shift towards the more eco-friendly. While the main motive of the MX-5 is to remain lightweight. And this is certainly a challenge with the weight of electric car batteries.
By that time, it has been stated that the Miata would be going to have an electrified variant. Now we got the timeline as well which is the 2026 model year. It indicates that the car will likely have its presence on the roads in mid-2025 respectively.
When it comes to Miata then it is an extremely lightweight car. The 2023 MX-5 model has a curb weight of about 2,400 lbs. As compared to some light EVs. The original Tesla Roadster, which applied expensive and lightweight carbon fiber weighed 2,800 lbs and the Caterham Project V concept will weigh 2,600 lbs. Both of these EVs are priced in the six-figure digits, while the MX-5 starts for under $30k.
Again, there are some other lower-priced and lightweight EVs, including Mini Cooper SE which is 3,000lb at $30k. Also, the defunct 2,900lb BMW i3 first started at $42k. Thus, there is surely a challenge here.
Mazda’s Electrification
Considering Mazda’s history with respect to electrification, we guess this will be a hybrid model rather than fully electric. Mazda is one the slow-moving in the industry to adopt EV technology. Japanese automakers have been idlers on EV tech, whereas Mazda has a little less ambitious 2030 EV goal in the U.S.
Meanwhile, Mazda has claimed that it wants to sell only EVs and hybrids by 2030. In addition to this, recently company unveiled its EV plans and demonstrate a very cool “Vision study” concept. A sleek, low low, two-door roadster that appears like it could be the evolution of the Miata.
While that concept is light on details, it clearly looks a lot like a Miata and was released alongside a discussion on Mazda’s EV plans, so most thought that it would turn into some sort of electrified Miata.
One of the possible reasons for MX-30 wasn’t getting great adoption, since the car was designed to be a PHEV. And it only made to follow EV compliance with California’s emissions rules. The vehicle eventually evolve as PHEV overseas. All at once, having an electric motor on board in any form will certainly help the Miata’s famous fun factor. It has always been a little bit connected back by its small 2L 4-cylinder engine.