Mazda is on the bring of making a meaningful push into the electric vehicle (EV) market. After years of hesitation and a string of half-measures—including the short-range and short-lived MX-30—the Japanese automaker has begun real-world testing of its first dedicated EV designed specifically for North America.
The test vehicle, recently spotted near Mazda’s R&D hub in Irvine, California, mark the start of the company’s most ambitious EV program to date.
According to a sighting reported by Automotive News, the early prototypes are riding on Mazda’s upcoming Skyactiv EV Scalable Architecture. Unlike Mazda’s previous electrification attempts, this is a clean-sheet platform engineered from the ground up for battery-electric driving, modern charging capabilities, and a wide range of vehicle sizes.
Although the engineering prototypes appear to be built on a patchwork of body panels from its existing internal-combustion powered SUVs, the proportions tell the real story. The final product should slot into the mid-size crossover category, competing directly with the segment where Mazda already finds its strongest U.S. sales.
Mazda has confirmed that production of its first dedicated EV will begin in Japan in 2027, with North American sales following in 2028.
A Much Bigger EV Investment This Time Around
The shift marks a dramatic change from Mazda’s earlier EV posture. The MX-30, which offered limited range and was discontinued in the U.S. after only two years (but continued in Canada), leaving the company without a single electric offering in its largest market. Behind the scenes, however, Mazda has been preparing a substantial electrification pivot.
The automaker is currently investing roughly ¥1.5 trillion (about C$13.6B/US$10B) into EV development through 2030. That includes its new Skyactiv EV architecture, expanded simulation-based R&D, and a dedicated internal team known as E-Mazda.
What’s Still Unknown
Mazda has yet to reveal key specifications such as range, battery size, charging speed, or motor output. But with the brand aiming to have EVs account for roughly 25% of global sales by 2030, the company can’t afford to enter the market with another short-range, compliance-focused model like the MX-30.
