Mazda Delays EV Launch to 2029, Shifts Focus to Hybrids

Mazda has delayed the launch of its first self-developed battery electric vehicle (BEV) from the originally planned 2027 to 2029, citing adjustments in regulatory policies in Europe and the U.S., reductions in government subsidies, and shifting market demand. The company stated it is still evaluating the exact timeline but will focus on hybrid models in the near term, such as the upcoming CX-50 Hybrid set to launch in the U.S. Mazda’s CEO acknowledged that the global pace of electrification has slowed, and the company may lower its 2030 target for BEV sales share from the previously projected 25%–40% to below 25%. Currently, Mazda’s available electric models, including the EZ-6, were co-developed with China’s Changan Automobile and are not based on Mazda’s own dedicated EV platform. Additionally, changes in U.S. tariff policies have disrupted Mazda’s original plan to produce vehicles in Japan for export to the U.S. Other automakers, including Honda and General Motors, have also recently revised their electric vehicle strategies.