Japan’s fifth-largest auto manufacturer, Mazda, recently announced plans for producing a battery-powered subcompact from 2012 in Japan.  Diverting from its earlier policy of staying focused on enhancing the fuel efficiency of its diesel and petrol ranges until 2015, Mazda confirmed it would be entering into the electric vehicle (EV) market, just like its rivals Toyota and Nissan.
Mazda’s plans for developing a battery-run electric version of the popular Mazda2 hatchback were first heard of in 2009.  The car maker then went on to start actual trials of its prototypes last year.  The company has now declared that the very first batch of its electric Mazda2 will be leased by the spring of 2012 in Japan, primarily to local government organizations and fleet customers.  The model meant for private individuals will be launched in the market by 2013.
Mazda2 Electric Car
Mazda’s new electric car will be based on its Mazda2 model, called Demio in a few markets, and on a fully charged battery, its estimated driving range will be around 200 km (124 miles).
Expensive batteries and a restricted driving range are the drawbacks of electric vehicles.  Despite this, many car manufacturers like Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG have joined the pioneers Nissan Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. in declaring that they’ll be selling the zero-emission vehicles.  Their decision makes sense for governments of many countries are introducing stricter environmental regulations.
In the meanwhile, Mazda is garnering as much information as it can about electric cars.  The company hopes that its lease program will help in increasing its knowledge of different electric drive technologies in addition to their usage requirements.
According to Mazda’s top management, the company will be prompt to respond to any demand for electric vehicles meant for short-range travel.  Mazda’s electric car will cost less than 3 million yen ($36,350) after subsidies.  But the company did not disclose any sales target or name the supplier for its car’s batteries.
Mazda’s domestic rivals Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan Motor have already launched electric vehicles of their own, while Honda Motor and Toyota Motor are likely to follow suit.  Though late in entering the electric vehicle technology arena, Mazda is determined to make up for lost time by working hard to gradually introduce electric devices like regenerative braking and hybrid systems into its vehicles before finally launching its completely battery-run electric cars.