Photo: Mazda
New reports suggest that Mazda is planning to introduce an all-electric vehicle in the United States by 2018. Seven years from now is enough for new generations of every car they make to arrive, so it’s pointless to try and guess what electric model they have in store for us, but the way things are going right now, compacts and sub-compacts are the most likely candidates, since the Mazda2 is offered domestically in to select customers right now.
This is meant purely as a test platform, not as a production vehicle. It’s powered by a 70kW electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. It’s also pretty brisk, offering a respectable 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 87mph on the Japanese market.
“At least by 2018, but we will try to do it earlier,” said Chief Engineer Mitsuru Fujinaka, according to Automotive News. “Sooner or later, we will have to have these electric vehicles. Otherwise, we can’t sell in California. That is the biggest reason for pursuing this.”
“At least by 2018, but we will try to do it earlier,” said Chief Engineer Mitsuru Fujinaka, according to Automotive News. “Sooner or later, we will have to have these electric vehicles. Otherwise, we can’t sell in California. That is the biggest reason for pursuing this.”
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