- Mazda says the Miata will eventually go electric.
- The next-generation MX-5 is still expected to use a gas engine.
- Mazda is currently prioritizing weight reduction over full electrification.
There are dozens of questions about the future of the beloved Mazda MX-5 Miata. Will it have a gas engine? Will it retain its manual transmission? Perhaps most important: Will it eventually go electric?
Today, we have an answer. Like. Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro said that the Miata could be electric-ultimately.
Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring
talking to germany Auto Motor and SportMoro said the next-generation Miata “should also be prepared for a scenario without a combustion engine.” While they didn’t confirm a battery-powered MX-5, the comments at least suggest Mazda is designing the next roadster with electrification in mind.
That said, don’t expect the next Miata to ditch its internal combustion engine right away.
Mazda has repeatedly said that light weight is the heart of the MX-5 formula. Earlier this year, company executives reiterated that today’s battery technology is still not ideal for a lightweight sports car, making gasoline the best option for the time being.
Morrow reinforced that philosophy by saying that engineers are aiming for curb weight between about 2,200 and 2,645 pounds (1,000 to 1,200 kg) for the next Miata, all without relying on expensive materials like carbon fiber. It’s remarkably close to today’s ND-generation Miata.
Mazda is already thinking about an electric Miata
This isn’t the first clue that an electric MX-5 is in development. Last year, Mazda patented an unusual EV layout that places most of the battery cells inside the transmission tunnel instead of under the floor like a traditional skateboard platform.
Additional battery modules sit behind the seats and ahead of the passenger compartment to preserve the balanced weight distribution that is central to the Miata’s character. The design also retains the rear-wheel drive with single electric motor layout.
Of course, converting a Miata into an EV is easy on paper. We’ll just have to wait and see what our beloved sports car has in store.
Motor1’s Opinion: It seems inevitable that the Mazda Miata will go electric, but hopefully it will be sooner rather than later. CEO Masahiro Moro recognizes that reality and plans to put off electrification for as long as possible.
