After we learned last week that Mazda's plan for the next few years is based heavily on electrifying its range, here comes the confirmation of something we were already hoping for: the next generation Mazda MX-5 (the fifth) will be electrified.
Confirmation was given by Mazda itself to our Motor1 colleagues, with the Hiroshima brand declaring: “we plan to electrify the MX-5 in an effort to have all models present a form of electrification by 2030”.
With this confirmation also came the promise that Mazda will “work to ensure that the MX-5 remains a lightweight and affordable two-seater sports convertible to respond to what its customers expect from it”.
What kind of electrification will it have?
Bearing in mind that Mazda's goal for 2030 is to have 100% of the range electrified in which 25% will be electric models, there are several possibilities “on the table” for the electrification of the fifth generation MX-5 (probably designated NE) .
The first, simpler, cheaper and that would keep the weight down is to offer the Mazda MX-5 the most basic form of electrification: a mild-hybrid system. In addition to allowing weight control (the battery is much smaller and the electrical system less complex), this solution would also make it possible to keep the price “under control”.
Another hypothesis is the conventional hybridization of the MX-5 or even the adoption of a plug-in hybrid mechanics, although this second hypothesis would “pass the bill” in terms of weight and, of course, costs.
Finally, the last hypothesis is the total electrification of the MX-5. It's true that Mazda's first electric car, the MX-30, has received praise (including from us) for its dynamics close to that of a combustion engine car, but will Mazda want to fully electrify one of its most iconic models? On the one hand it would be a positive thing in the marketing field, on the other it ran the risk of “alienating” the most traditionalist fans of the famous roadster.
Also, there is the question of weight and price. For now, batteries not only make the 100% electric models heavier proposals, but their cost continues to reflect negatively on the price of cars. All of this would go against the “promise” left by Mazda when it announced the electrification of the Mazda MX-5.
Platform is anyone's guess
Finally, another question looms on the horizon: which platform will the Mazda MX-5 use? The newly revealed “Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture” is intended for larger models, and it doesn't seem to us that the MX-5 will receive a transverse engine.
The other platform announced is only for electric models, the “Skyactiv EV Scalable Architecture”, which leaves us with a hypothesis: to update the platform currently used so that it receives some form of electrification (which gives strength to the mild-hybrid theory).
Given this scenario, it remains to be seen whether the cost/benefit ratio of this solution justifies the bet, but for that we will have to wait for Mazda's “next step”.