Mazda has announced today that it will discontinue its regular SkyActiv combustion engine models within this decade, and will work towards introducing a 100 percent electrified e-SkyActiv (hybrid or battery EVs) line-up by 2030.

The company also adds that the sales ratio of battery EVs will rise to between 25 to 40 percent by 2030. The rest will be composed of hybrids.

Mazda also adds that it will introduce a new generation hybrid system within this decade. Currently, Mazda’s sole self-developed hybrid model is the Mazda CX-60 plug-in hybrid. The European market Mazda 2 is a rebadged Toyota Yaris Hybrid, while all other Mazda hybrid models are mild hybrids.

A new dedicated EV-only model will also be introduced in China. The Mazda MX-30, the company’s sold EV model, is not a dedicated model as it is also available as a 2.0-litre mild-hybrid model in Japan and Australia.

Supporting this electrification goal is a series of agreements signed with several Japanese EV specialists – many are Hiroshima-based companies – to achieve in-house / joint manufacturing of electric drive motors, inverters, and power control electronics.

Mazda is very proud of its Hiroshima heritage, and with this new ‘Team Hiroshima EV’ alliance, Mazda hopes to continue to provide jobs to the people of Hiroshima.

Mazda has established a multi-party joint venture company called MHHO Electric Drive Co., Ltd., acronym for Mazda, HIROTEC, Hiroshima Aluminum Industry, and Ondo.

Mazda will own 10 percent of the joint venture company, with the goal of developing highly-efficient production technology for electric drive units that makes maximum use of existing assets, as well as establishment of systems required for the production and supply of electric drive units.

Mazda has also created a 50:50 joint venture with Imasen Electric Industrial to develop inverters containing SiC power semiconductors. The new company will be called Mazda Imasen Electric Drive Co., Ltd.

Mazda has also partnered with Fukuta Electric & Machinery and Chuo Kaseihin to establish MCF Electric Drive Co., Ltd., to develop advanced technology for electric vehicle motors. Mazda owns 50 percent of joint venture.