Mazda to reveal its all-new EV at next month’s Tokyo show

KUALA LUMPUR: When it comes to EVs, name of the Hiroshima-based multinational automaker, Mazda rarely comes up. According to automotive sources, Mazda will be unveiling a new EV at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. 

Mazda has designed models with the electric powertrain to test the EV and plans to sell them next year onwards. The carmaker has been working on a new EV with a CX style crossover body, according to the recently spotted prototype. However, Mazda states that the all-new EV will flaunt a “brand new model”. The brand did not reveal anything related to the body-style of the EV. 

As seen on the prototypes, the EV architecture is camouflaged beneath the sheet metal of the carmaker’s new CX-30 crossover and has “Mazda e-TPV” (Electric Technology Prove-Out Vehicle) sticker on. The prototype is equipped with an electric powertrain that comprises of a 35.5-kilowatt-hour battery, which is capable of churning out 140 hp of maximum power and 264 Nm of peak torque.

Mazda is planning to launch the EV in the succeeding year as part of its strategy to progressively electrify the lineup. Moreover, the brand masterminded the EV internally, and the scheme is separate from the joint venture that Mazda is performing as part of a Toyota-led electric vehicle consortium. This group was established in 2017 and included brands such as Subaru, Suzuki, and Toyota supplier Denso.

Also, the expected EV will be available in two forms - a range extender and one fully electric. The full EV is expected to target markets such as Europe, Japan, and China. However, the range extender version will target North America and regions where regular drives are longer.

Also Read:- 2019 Mazda CX-5 - Changes explained