Mazda has set out a new strategy for its electrified future that will deliver new fully electric models while also continuing the rollout of petrol and diesel models.

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The Japanese brand, which has long committed to a ‘multi-solution’ pathway, announced that it’s developing an inhouse platform for battery EVs that will be highly flexible – on both hardware and software – allowing for various battery types and vehicle models.

This will underpin the company’s own battery EV, which will arrive in 2027 as a fully electric SUV produced in Japan for global introduction, with battery cells developed in collaboration with Panasonic Energy Corporation.

The new model will join the existing fully electric MX-30 EV and the range-extender MX-30 R-EV – as well as the Mazda6e electric saloon due next year under a Chinese joint venture with Changan Automobile.

Mazda will also continue its work with other technology partners, including Toyota, Denso and BluE Nexus, and said its collaborations and existing assets will enable it to reduce investment in EV batteries and other areas from the expected 2 trillion yen (£10.3bn / €12.3bn) to around 1.5 trillion yen (£7.5bn / €9.2bn).

But hybrids and internal combustion engines will also remain a cornerstone of the brand’s policies – including the arrival of a new Skyactiv-Z engine that will form the core of Mazda’s lineup for small products in the electrification era.

This engine will meet Euro 7 emissions standards while achieving high fuel economy and driving performance, according to the brand. Combined with Mazda’s in-house hybrid system, it will debut in the next-generation CX-5 in 2027.

Mazda’s Multi-Solution Briefing Session, held in Tokyo, also set out plans to evolve the carmaker’s existing mixed-flow production line for battery EVs, reducing initial capital investment by 85% and preparation time by 80% compared to construction of new plants.

President and CEO Masahiro Moro said: “As the automotive industry is going through a once-in-a-century seismic shift, Mazda keeps on evolving by updating our ‘joy of driving’ for the next generation of vehicles. All of us at Mazda are committed to striking the right balance of efficient business management and development of sustainable technology to deliver unique value regardless of business scale.”