Mazda has chosen CATL to help it make its next generation of EVs, possibly even an electric MX-5.
In a bold step toward electrification, Mazda Motor Corporation has teamed up with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL), the world’s leading EV battery manufacturer, through its Chinese joint venture Changan Mazda. The collaboration will leverage CATL’s cutting-edge Cell to Chassis (CIIC) skateboard platform to develop next-generation electric vehicles (EVs).
This partnership, reported by CarNewsChina, signals Mazda’s accelerating push into the EV market—but could it also pave the way for an electrified MX-5 Miata? Let’s dive into the details.
What’s the Focus of the Mazda-CATL Partnership?
The alliance will center on CATL’s CIIC platform, a revolutionary decoupled vehicle architecture that separates the upper and lower body sections. This modular design allows for:
- Faster development cycles
- Greater flexibility in EV design
- Standardized interfaces for hardware and software
By integrating CATL’s skateboard chassis with Changan Mazda’s production expertise, the two companies aim to speed up EV development while meeting stringent safety and performance standards for both Chinese and global markets.
Key Attendees at the Signing Ceremony
The partnership was formalized with high-profile representation from both sides:
- CATL: Yu Jiashuai (Customer Director), Tan Libin (Co-President of Market Systems), Li Xiaoning (Executive President of Overseas Business), and Yang Hanbing (Managing Director of Intelligent Mobility).
- Changan Mazda: Ma Dayong (Procurement Director) and Deng Zhitao (Executive Vice President).
Mazda’s Growing EV Ambitions in China
Mazda has been ramping up its EV efforts in China, including:
- The launch of the EZ-60 SUV at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show
- The debut of the 6e sedan in Nanjing
- A 10 billion yuan ($1.37B USD) investment to double production by 2027
- Plans to introduce two more EV models in China by 2027
With 90% of its sales expected to be electric or hybrid by 2027, Mazda is clearly shifting gears—but will this include an MX-5 EV?
Could This Partnership Lead to an Electric Mazda MX-5?
The MX-5 Miata is Mazda’s iconic lightweight sports car, beloved for its driving dynamics and simplicity. An electric version has long been a topic of speculation, and this CATL collaboration could make it a reality.
Why?
- The CIIC platform’s modularity could allow Mazda to retain the MX-5’s compact, agile nature while integrating a high-performance EV powertrain.
- China’s EV-first market strategy makes it an ideal testing ground for a potential MX-5 EV prototype.
- Mazda has previously hinted at electrifying its sports cars, and this partnership could accelerate that vision.
Mazda’s partnership with CATL is a major step toward electrification, but the real question is: Will we see an electric MX-5? Given Mazda’s commitment to driver-focused EVs, it’s certainly a possibility.
