Mazda today announced a new electrification plan for its vehicles, which will lead its charge towards achieving complete carbon neutrality across its entire supply chain by 2050. The plan, which is split into three phases, will see Mazda’s entire vehicle line-up electrified by 2030, culling all pure internal combustion engine-powered models within the decade.
According to the press release, the first phase will utilise existing technology assets comprising “multiple electrification technologies” to both reduce the company’s environmental footprint and “produce attractive products”. The second phase will see the introduction of a new hybrid system, as well as “EV-dedicated vehicles” and battery EVs in China and select markets globally.
Finally in the third phase, Mazda says it will promote the “full-fledged launch” of EVs globally, and consider further investing in EV battery production. By 2030, the Japanese carmaker also expects its EVs to contribute between 25-40% to its global sales. The company’s previous estimated was at 25%.
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In achieving its goals, Mazda has announced partnerships with various companies in related electrification research projects, including Chinese battery maker Envision AESC, as well as electric component manufacturer Rohm. The partnerships will include the joint development and production of “electric drive units” (motor, inverter, and reduction gear) that are in line with Mazda’s “joy of driving” brand essence.
Reuters reports that the entire investment plan for electrification will cost Mazda up to 1.5 trillion yen (approx. RM48 billion), however a detailed investment timeline wasn’t provided.
Aside from cars, Mazda will also be pushing for its factories worldwide to be carbon-neutral by 2035. This will be done through “three pillars”, namely energy conservation, shift to renewable energy sources, and the use of carbon-neutral fuels.
The company also announced that it will be investing in the development of “human-centred” advanced driver assistance technology, using AI to eliminate new Mazda vehicles as a cause of fatal accidents avoidable with automotive technologies by 2040.
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