Mazda has started road testing early prototypes of its first battery-electric vehicle designed specifically for North America, marking a significant step in the company’s long-delayed shift toward electrification.
The development vehicles were recently seen near Mazda’s research facilities in Irvine, California, according to a report from Automotive News. The prototypes are built on the company’s new Skyactiv EV Scalable Architecture, a platform engineered from the outset for battery-electric powertrains, modern charging systems and multiple vehicle sizes. While the test models use temporary body panels from Mazda’s existing combustion-engine SUVs, their proportions indicate the final product is expected to be a mid-size crossover.
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Mazda has confirmed production of the dedicated EV will begin in Japan in 2027, with North American sales scheduled for 2028. The model represents the most extensive EV program the company has undertaken following the limited MX-30, which offered short range and was discontinued in the U.S. after two years while remaining on sale in Canada.
The manufacturer is investing about ¥1.5 trillion through 2030 to expand its electrification capabilities. The plan includes development of the Skyactiv EV platform, simulation-driven engineering work and a dedicated in-house team known as E-Mazda.
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Key specifications of the upcoming EV—including range, battery capacity and charging performance—have not yet been disclosed. Mazda has previously said it aims for electric vehicles to represent around 25% of its global sales by 2030, indicating the new model will play a central role in its long-term product strategy.
