Mazda announces plans for 25 per cent EV line-up by 2030

Mazda has stated its intentions of having an electrified variant of each of its models by 2030, aiming for at least 25 per cent electric vehicles by 2030 as a part of its new global strategy.

Starting from 2022, Mazda is planning to introduce five new plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) as well as three EV models before its new SKYACTIV EV Scalable Architecture is introduced in 2025, underpinning its range of small and large vehicles.

The announcement has come before the new MX-30 is released to the Australian market, marking the first EV from Mazda to go on sale Down Under.

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The upcoming MX-30 will be Mazda's first foray into EVs

Mazda plans to further develop its existing petrol and diesel Skyactiv engines which are used in its current models, preparing it for hybridisation to expand the range beyond the upcoming MX-30 mild-hybrid.

The larger range of hybrid models and the first EV offerings will be rolled out across Europe, North America, South East Asia and Australia from 2022, allowing Mazda to dip its toes in the ever-growing market of electrified vehicles.

It is unknown whether the goal of having electric options across the range by 2030 will result in the culling of some nameplates due to a lack of EV compatibility, though the expectation of 25 per cent being EV shows there's still a desire for internal combustion engines within the Mazda line-up.

The Skyactiv engines which currently power Mazda's vehicles were developed to run with high compression – as much as 14:1 in some instances – delivering higher power and torque while also achieving better fuel economy and emissions.

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MX-30 will also be available as a mild-hybrid, pairing the SKYACTIV petrol engine with an electric motor

Mazda's implementation of a universal EV platform for its vehicles comes alongside an investment into autonomous driving systems, with the Mazda Co-Pilot Concept currently being developed, expected to be rolled out in the large vehicles from 2022.

The system will monitor a driver's condition while travelling and can switch to autonomous driving if it senses a sudden change in behaviour, pulling the car safely off the road and contacting emergency services.

Upgrades to the next generation of infotainment and in-car communication technology are currently being co-developed with other Japanese manufacturers, including Toyota, Subaru, Suzuki and Daihatsu.