The next Mazda MX-5 will be electrified

The next Mazda MX-5 will be electric, with the Japanese brand confirming the iconic sports car will be adopting some kind of electrification for its next generation.

The move forms part of the brand’s broader push to a lower-emissions future, with a pledge that all the models in the Mazda range will feature some kind of electrification by 2030.

“Mazda is seeking to electrify the Miata in an effort to have all models feature a form of electrification by 2030,” a brand spokesperson told US outlet Motor1.

“We will work hard to make it a lightweight, affordable, open two-seater sports car in order to meet the needs of customers.”

An affordable, electrified MX-5 sounds like a deal to us. But while the next Mazda MX-5 will be electric, the only question is how electric are we talking? The brand has plenty of options at its disposal, from mild hybrid to PHEV to full BEV.

The MX-30 M Hybrid, for example is a very (very) mild hybrid, although there’s also an EV version for those wanting a proper electric fix.

The challenge for Mazda and its lightest, most athetic car is weight. Batteries can easily add hundreds of kilograms to an electric car and the MX-5 is a car Mazda has previously worked to shave single grams from in an effort to ensure it lives up to the sports car expectations.

This announcement joins the brand’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 roadmap, which hinges on a new Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture, with Mazda to launch a total of five hybrid models, five plug-in hybrid models and three new pure BEVs by 2025.

The Sustainable Zoom Zoom 2030 vision places the individual at the centre of three areas. The planet, society and humanity,” says Mazda.

“We will continue to follow our human-centered development philosophy, which values the humanity and inherent potential of people, into a future where carbon neutrality and CASE (Connectivity Autonomy Sharing and Electrification) are defining the industry.

“By providing vehicles that support people in realising their full potential, we aim to realise a sustainable and compassionate society.”