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For many years, the idea of converting the Mazda MX-5 Miata to electric power seemed practically impossible. This compact roadster has always been prized above all for one key feature: its minimal weight. Many car enthusiasts were convinced that adding a bulky battery pack to the design would irrevocably destroy the Miata’s signature driving character.
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However, Mazda appears to have reconsidered its position. In a conversation with representatives of the German publication *auto motor und sport*, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro confirmed that while designing the next generation of the MX-5, the company is considering the possibility of creating an all-electric version. This does not mean at all that the iconic sports car will abandon gasoline engines anytime soon. However, such a move demonstrates Mazda’s commitment to preserving the Miata in a future where classic internal combustion engines may be phased out.
The main challenge lies not in producing an electric sports car per se, but in creating a vehicle that will continue to deliver the authentic Miata driving experience. According to Moro, Mazda engineers are aiming for a curb weight between 1,000 and 1,200 kg. Achieving this target will allow the future electric MX-5 to come close in weight to current gasoline-powered models – something that was considered completely unrealistic just 2–3 years ago.
This demonstrates a significant shift in Mazda’s strategy. Earlier this year, company executives stated that battery-powered powertrains fundamentally alter the proportions, balance, and overall concept of lightweight sports cars, making it difficult to justify the production of a fully electric MX-5.
At the same time, the development of an electric version does not mean the discontinuation of the MX-5’s gasoline lineup. Mazda has already announced that the next-generation roadster will also feature the promising 2.5-liter Skyactiv-Z engine, and the use of hybrid technologies is being considered as a possible solution, provided that it improves efficiency without adding unnecessary weight or compromising driving dynamics.
This strategy gives Mazda the necessary flexibility amid increasingly stringent environmental regulations around the world. Rather than relying exclusively on a single type of powertrain, the company is preparing several alternative paths for the future MX-5. Fans will have to wait for the results of this work: according to reports, the debut is not expected until at least 2028, which will further extend the life cycle of the current ND generation, which debuted back in 2015.
In addition, Moro revealed that Mazda is working on a new flagship model that will sit one step above the MX-5 in the lineup. Despite the lack of details, he described it as a limited-production “hero car” designed to showcase the brand’s engineering potential and philosophy, rather than to achieve high sales figures. If Mazda can create an electric MX-5 that retains its spirited character, lightness, and driving pleasure, it will be one of the most significant achievements in the modern automotive industry.
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