Mazda's EV Ambitions Shift: Dedicated Electric Vehicle Delayed Until 2029 Amidst Hybrid Focus

Daily Car

20/01/2026

Mazda appears to be joining the growing list of automakers adjusting their electric vehicle timelines. Reports suggest the Japanese manufacturer has quietly postponed the launch of its first in-house developed dedicated EV, potentially pushing it back from an initial 2027 target to as late as 2029. This strategic shift will see Mazda prioritizing hybrid technology in the interim, a move influenced by evolving market demands and regulatory landscapes.

Key Takeaways

Mazda's dedicated EV launch reportedly delayed by at least two years, now targeting 2029.
The company will focus on hybrid vehicle development in the meantime.
The delay is attributed to slower-than-expected EV demand and changing market conditions.
Mazda's proprietary Skyactiv EV Scalable Architecture development is also impacted.

Shifting Priorities: Hybrids Take Center Stage

According to reports citing Japanese automotive publications, Mazda's plans for its proprietary electric vehicles have been significantly adjusted. Instead of proceeding with the original launch schedule, the company is reportedly redirecting its resources and attention towards hybrid powertrains. This decision comes in response to what is described as slower-than-anticipated demand for fully electric vehicles, a trend observed across the automotive industry.

A Mazda spokesperson, while not officially confirming the delay, indicated that the company is "continuing to advance the technological development of our proprietary BEVs based on our multi-solution strategy, and will determine the timing of their introduction while carefully assessing regulatory trends in each country and changes in customer needs." This statement suggests that the launch plans remain flexible and could indeed slip beyond the previously anticipated 2027 timeframe.

The Impact on Mazda's EV Architecture

The delay also casts uncertainty over Mazda's Skyactiv EV Scalable Architecture. Originally announced in 2021, this platform was slated to underpin several new EVs between 2025 and 2030, covering various vehicle sizes and body types. The postponement of the dedicated EV likely means the broader rollout of vehicles based on this architecture will also be pushed back.

This strategic pivot is not entirely unexpected, especially considering recent shifts in the automotive market. Factors such as fluctuating EV sales, changes in government incentives, and evolving consumer preferences have prompted many manufacturers to re-evaluate their electrification roadmaps. Despite the delay in its dedicated EV, Mazda is still active in the electric space, having recently introduced the CX-60e in Europe, a model developed in collaboration with its joint-venture partner Changan.

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