LA MOTOR SHOW: Mazda confirms EV

Mazda will debut a range of EV models as early as 2019. That's the news from the head of the company's global R&D operations. And there’s a range-extender version which will use a rotary engine!

The shock news was relayed to Aussie media today at the Los Angeles Auto Show by Kiyoshi Fujiwara, Mazda's Director and Senior Executive Officer in charge of research and development.

Fujiwara confirmed that the company would release pure EV and range-extended versions of the as yet unspecified vehicle. The cars in question will be based on an existing model -- for the time being at least, Mazda will eschew a bespoke platform for the EV project.

"In 2020 for sure 90-95% [of cars] will still use internal combustion engine all over the world, but we still we need an EV," Fujiwara explained.

"So in 2019, we will introduce EV where it is needed," he said.

Fujiwara is referencing the regulations in markets like California in which an EV will be the 'price of admission' for brands. He also mentioned markets like Norway (cheap hydro electricity) and China.

"This moment the model is a big secret," he joked but confirmed that development of the production car had "just started".

Fujiwara stated a clean sheet platform design was only needed if "huge battery volume is required," suggesting that most buyers could instead enjoy the added flexibility of a range-extender variant.

The R&D chief cautioned that Mazda’s tie-up with Toyota was not driving the project, nor technical specification.

"We are developing a Mazda system by ourselves. In terms of commercialisation, some of the portion should be shared. That is the discussion point [between the partners]," he told motoring.com.au.

Mazda has experimented with a small rotary-powered range-extender for some time. motoring.com.au has previously driven an experimental version of the drivetrain in a Mazda 2.

Once in production, there is even the potential to sell the unit as a proprietary solution to other manufacturers, Fujiwara intimated.

But rotary enthusiasts shouldn't get too excited yet, he says.

"The Mazda EV will not be performance focussed. High performance equals higher costs and we have to carefully consider [the relevance of a high-performance EV] for our brand.

"A more affordable price for a range of models [is more important]. EV is not our core product. And not sold in every market," he stated, pouring early water on the prospect of the EV Mazda coming to Australia in any volume.

The glimmer of hope is the fact the high-tech and unique rotary range-extended EVs can play a role as an environmental halo car for the brand.

"The range-extender unit is one of our unique technologies. Rotary is uniquely suited for range-extender [applications] therefore this helps our brand image," Fujiwara opined.