Mazda has confirmed that they aim to offer an electrified version of the Miata by the end of the decade. The report stems from the Japanese automaker’s announcement on Thursday, in which they announced the next stage of its product development.
While the announcement centered around a plethora of new models—including the hotly anticipated Mazda 6 replacement with a rear-wheel-drive chassis and straight-six engine—Mazda did let slip that the next-generation roadster was to be included. However, it wasn’t clear whether this meant that the Miata was to become a full-on Battery-EV or remain an electrified version with a hybrid, or mild-hybrid drivetrain.
However, a later follow-up question during a Q&A by Kuruma News saw managing executive officer Takeji Kojima confirm that at least one version of the next Miata will remain with an internal combustion engine. “For customers who have purchased the Roadster so far, we will provide an internal combustion engine that uses biofuel such as eFuel,” said Kojima. It was similarly confirmed that the Miata is a part of Mazda’s electrification plans, meaning that it will involve some form of hybrid tech.
Read: Mazda Shows Next 6’s New Inline-Six RWD Platform, Will Also Debut 13 Electrified Vehicles By 2025
Efules, or biofuels, have been generating quite a bit of buzz around themselves of late, with Porsche investing heavily in the tech, including it in their racing program. These fuels offer a low-impact way of keeping combustion cars on the road with no modifications, while Porsche has also argued that eFuels could be as green as EVs if the whole life cycle of the vehicle is considered.
This doesn’t quite rule out a Battery-EV version of the Miata – a model which could very well make sense with Mazda’s proposed Skyactiv EV scalable architecture. However, a comment from Ichiro Hirose, Senior Managing Executive Officer, Oversight of R&D and Cost Innovation, may shed some light on why some may not expect an EV Miata anytime soon.
According to the report, while confirming that the Miata will be electrified, he alluded to the electrification process as one that will value the DNA of the Roadster as a lightweight sports car. With weight still a major factor of EVs, the electrification plans could very well end with just the hybrid version.
No concrete timeframe has been announced as yet for an “NE” version of the Miata, with some expecting the current ND generation to stick around for several more years. There may even be an interim ICE model produced before an electrified Miata hits the showrooms.
