Tokyo show: Mazda confirms mass-production EV

MAZDA will embark on a new era next month when it reveals its first mass-production all-electric model at the Tokyo motor show.

Described by the Japanese car-maker as “a completely new model”, the zero-emissions offering “will be the third instalment in Mazda’s new-generation line-up”, following in the tyre tracks of the fourth-generation Mazda3 car and first-generation CX-30 SUV.

“As a fresh option designed to form a deeper bond between car and driver, the new EV continues Mazda’s focus on human-centric design,” the marque said in a statement.

“Firmly grounded in the beautiful handcrafted forms of Mazda’s Kodo – Soul of Motion design language, the new EV further pushes the boundaries to explore the car as art.”

While it is now yet known what body style the all-electric model will use, it is likely to be closely related to either the Mazda3 or CX-30, which compete in two of the largest segments in Australia.

Either way, Mazda Australia is yet to confirm the zero-emissions offering for a local release, although GoAuto understands that it has not been not ruled out.

Given that Mazda Australia’s managing director, Vinesh Bhindi, told GoAuto in May last year that local infrastructure remains a key roadblock for all-electric models, it is likely the division is waiting for the right time to move forward with its electrification plans.

As reported, Mazda expects every vehicle it produces to feature some form of electrification by 2030, with zero-emissions offerings to account for five per cent of sales at that stage.

The company’s famed rotary engine will play a key role in achieving this goal, with it to act as a range-extender for an all-electric model – potentially the one debuting in native Japan.

The zero-emissions offering will be revealed at 1.20pm (AEST) on Wednesday, October 23. It is expected to go on sale globally in 2020.