Mazda signs (finally) the long-awaited key partnership for its future electric cars
Mazda signs (finally) the long-awaited key partnership for its future electric cars
As has been circulating for months, Mazda plans to introduce new electric vehicles in the upcoming years. It still lacked a crucial strategic partner, though, for this. Thus far.
There have been many rumors in recent months, if not years, regarding what Mazda plans to develop for its upcoming electric vehicles. Nevertheless, none of these breaches disclosed the identity of the authorized battery provider in charge of supplying power to the aforementioned cars. In particular, it has welcomed Panasonic Energy, a business widely recognized in the industry for its partnership with Tesla, among other things. We now know that Mazda is going to be their new customer.
Mazda has formally released this agreement, but it hasn’t provided any other information as they continue to talk about other things that need to be made clear. Nonetheless, it has been known since last June 2023 that, at the very least, both businesses have been to execute this agreement. That means it has taken us more than nine months to sign this.
Mazda already has someone to supply the batteries.
The statement leaves more room for interpretation, so it’s unclear, why the association’s signing was delayed. On the other hand, they have disclosed that Mazda Motor Corporation will receive cylindrical batteries from Panasonic Energy for its electric vehicles. But all signs point to it being 4680—the same ones that Tesla and other businesses have long desired to utilize. The Production will begin in April 2024 and run through September of that same year.
Nothing further is currently known regarding this relationship because, as we have mentioned, neither company has been very forthcoming with information. The assurance that “they will communicate more details at the appropriate time” came from the two companies’ leadership.
I’ll venture to speculate now: why would Mazda be so drawn to 4680-type cells but not others? Numerous unofficial sources claim that because these cells are high energy density and include cutting-edge technology, Mazda is interested in using them in its electric vehicles. Although Panasonic now offers a variety of cylindrical cell shapes (1865, 2170, etc.), the automaker would be focused on acquiring the largest ones.
Naturally, it is currently completely unknown which electric vehicle will use the batteries from this arrangement in its debut. It’s common knowledge that Mazda has been developing several electric vehicles for its range for a while now. More specifically, a patent registration was leaked in December 2022, revealing what was supposed to be a car that was similar to the existing Mazda3, but with 100% electric mechanics.
Consequently, information regarding the purpose and likely likelihood of the Mazda6’s rebirth with a new all-electric generation has emerged in months. However, there have also been reports of a potential new “zero emissions” MX-5, albeit with reduced reliability; however, this would not happen for at least a few generations.
Recent Post
