Summary
- Mazda announced a new Japanese battery plant for electric vehicle modules and battery packs
- The plant is located in Iwakuni City and targets 10 GWh of annual production
- Cells will be supplied by Panasonic for Mazda’s first EV using a dedicated EV platform
- The new plant’s modules and packs are intended for an electric SUV scheduled to launch in 2027
- Mazda plans to adopt the Tesla NACS charging connector for future EVs in North America
Article
Mazda has announced a new Japanese battery plant located in Iwakuni City, in Japan’s Yamaguchi Prefecture, that will assemble cylindrical cells into modules and battery packs for use in a planned electric vehicle based on a dedicated platform. The plant is expected to produce 10 GWh of batteries annually and will be supplied with cells by Panasonic under an agreement between the two companies that was announced in June 2023 and approved by Japanese regulators in September 2024. This indicates Mazda’s commitment to expanding its electric vehicle offerings and investing in battery technology.
While Mazda has previously launched the low-range MX-30 in both all-electric and range-extended form, as well as partnering with China’s Changan Automobile on the EZ-6 electric sedan, the modules and packs assembled at the new plant will be designated for “Mazda’s first battery EV that uses a dedicated EV platform.” This likely refers to an electric SUV scheduled to launch in 2027, as confirmed by Mazda in November 2024. The use of cylindrical cells is expected to yield efficiency gains and align Mazda with other leading EV brands such as Lucid and Tesla, which also use Panasonic as a supplier.
The original announcement of the cell supply deal with Panasonic also mentioned North American production of cells from a new factory in De Soto, Kansas. While Mazda hasn’t offered an all-electric model since the MX-30 was withdrawn from the North American market, the company has stated that it will adopt the Tesla NACS charging connector for any future EVs it might introduce here. This move demonstrates Mazda’s commitment to staying competitive in the growing EV market and aligning with industry standards for charging infrastructure.
Mazda has indicated that longer-range EVs may not be the future focus of its electrification plans, but the use of cylindrical cells could provide efficiency gains. This type of cell has been favored by top EV brands like Lucid and Tesla, both of which Panasonic supplies. Other automakers, such as BMW and General Motors, are also exploring cylindrical cells for their upcoming EV models, with expectations of significant efficiency improvements and overall cell flexibility playing a key role in their electrification strategies. Mazda’s decision to invest in this technology positions the company for future growth and competitiveness in the EV market.
Incorporating cylindrical cells into its battery production aligns Mazda with industry trends and positions the company to take advantage of efficiency gains associated with this technology. With plans to utilize these cells in a new electric vehicle based on a dedicated platform, Mazda is signaling its commitment to expanding its electric vehicle offerings and staying competitive in the rapidly evolving EV market. By partnering with Panasonic for cell supply and investing in new battery production facilities, Mazda is laying the foundation for a successful transition towards electrification and contributing to the overall advancement of EV technology.
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