by New Electric Crossover from Mazda
Mazda is actively working on a completely new electric vehicle that may debut in 2027. This model will be built on a new platform developed independently by the company. Test photos of the prototype indicate that the future electric vehicle will have dimensions similar to the CX-50 crossover.
Mazda’s Previous Experience in the Electric Vehicle Market
Mazda’s attempt to enter the electric vehicle market started unsuccessfully with the MX-30 model, which lasted in America for only two years. It was sold exclusively in California, and the company sold only 324 units in 2022.
This model was more of a curiosity than a serious competitor. The price of the 2023 version started at $34,110, and its small 35.5 kWh battery provided a range of only 100 miles (161 km). Additionally, the MX-30 had rear suicide doors and an electric motor with 143 horsepower.
Cooperation with Chinese Partners and New Plans
After the failure of the MX-30, Mazda turned to Chinese partners to develop the EZ-6 and EZ-60 models. Although these cars are suitable for certain markets, the company realized the need to create a more thoughtful electric vehicle.
First Test Photos of the Prototype
The first photos of the test prototype undergoing trials near the Mazda research center in Irvine, California, were recently published. The prototype has a heavily modified body based on the CX-70 or CX-90 models.
The front of the car is camouflaged, but a fully closed radiator grille and blocked air curtains are visible. A relatively small central opening is also noticeable.
Design Features
More significant changes are noticeable in the rear of the body: the prototype has a shorter wheelbase than the CX-90 and a significantly shorter rear overhang. Furthermore, the model has glass in the area of the third pillar, similar to that used in the CX-80. Although it is difficult to determine the exact dimensions of the crossover from photos alone, operators reported that it is approximately the same size as the CX-50.
The prototype’s wheels are set much deeper than those of the CX-90, indicating a narrower track for the future production model. Aerodynamic wheels and a possible charging port hidden under a rear bumper flap are also visible.
Platform and Market Launch Prospects
Mazda announced the Skyactiv EV Scalable Architecture platform back in 2021, intended for various types of electric vehicles. Initially, it was planned that the first models on this platform would appear between 2025 and 2030; however, the timelines were shifted. According to estimates, the new model may debut in 2027, with sales in the US starting the following year.
Mazda is traditionally associated with quality and reliability, but its electric initiatives have not yet been significantly successful. The new crossover could become a key project for the company, as it is being developed on its own platform, which will allow for better control over specifications and cost. This could also help Mazda compete with manufacturers like Toyota, Hyundai, and Tesla, which already have strong positions in the electric vehicle market. The success of this model will depend not only on technical characteristics but also on the company’s pricing policy and marketing strategy.
