Mazda, Panasonic Energy to discuss BEVs

MAZDA and Panasonic Energy have this week announced plans to commence talks to establish a battery supply chain for electric vehicles. It is a clear sign that Mazda – who until now has barely dipped a toe in the EV pond – is closer to ramping up efforts to full-scale electric vehicle production.

Within the “medium-to-long-term” collaboration, Panasonic Energy would supply Mazda with automotive cylindrical lithium-ion batteries produced in both Japan and North America for its vehicle production facilities in both countries. Mazda is expected to begin rolling out its line of EVs in the latter half of this decade.

“As the automotive industry rapidly advances electrification and is leading in this technology, collaboration with Mazda will be a major step toward the achievement of our mission of realizing a society in which the pursuit of happiness and a sustainable environment are harmonised,” said Panasonic Energy CEO and president, Kazuo Tadanobu.

“With our superior technology and extensive experience, we will drive growth of the lithium-ion battery industry and further accelerate our efforts to achieve zero emissions.”

In a statement, Panasonic Energy and Mazda indicated that supply of the cells would commence from “2027 or later”. In November of last year, Mazda identified those years as the second phase of a three-phase plan, saying in November it would introduce battery EV models in the latter half of that period

“As part of our electrification initiatives, Mazda is working with its partners in three phases to flexibly respond to changes in regulatory trends, consumer needs, and other areas,” said Mazda director and senior managing executive officer, Masahiro Moro.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Panasonic Energy, which has been a pioneer in automotive lithium-ion batteries, developing high-quality products. We will keep contributing to curbing global warming through various initiatives including our electrification strategy.”

The Panasonic Group and Mazda have built a good relationship over many years. In 2012, Mazda installed 1865 Panasonic battery cells in 100 examples of its Demio (Mazda2) EV. The vehicle was used to boost the company’s knowledge of electric vehicles.

Speaking to GoAuto at the time, Mazda Motor Corporation EV program manager, Mitsuru Fujinaka, said, “Sooner or later, we will have to start selling EVs, or we won’t be able to (sell cars at all).”

It is interesting that except for the short-lived MX-30, that process has taken the over a decade for Mazda to realise.