Patent for EV Mazda MX-5 Miata Surfaces but Will It Actually Happen?
Is Mazda going to actually build an electric MX-5 Miata? A recently surfaced patent (via MotorTrend) details what an EV Miata could look like and how it would be packaged. The current (4th) generation ND MX-5 will soon head into the sunset and there has been strong suggestions that the 5th generation MX-5 will be electrified, and this patent might be confirmation.
There’s a strong emphasis on “might” as automakers file patents for vehicles, propulsion systems, suspension upgrades, and more without any of it ever reaching production or even a physical prototype. However, it’s best practice for them to protect any original ideas they have whether they’re actualized or not. So, this patent could just be Mazda covering its bases.
Furthermore, considering the current political climate many automakers are pumping the brakes on their future electrification plans. There could be a hybrid stop-gap between the outgoing internal combustion MX-5 and a full EV in the future. Either way, speculation is never boring so let’s have at it.
The patent shows that the chassis for this EV Miata would be a play off of the Skyactiv chassis on frame platform that underpins the current MX-5 Miata. Though as the patent shows, the frame rails would be replaced with housings for the battery cells. The bulk of the cells would live in what would traditionally be the transmission and driveshaft tunnel with two more clusters of cells behind both seats and one electric motor in the rear.
The MX-5 Miata is not only known for its low weight but also its weight balance as the 4th gen has a nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution. To do the same with a bunch of heavy batteries will be tough to say the least. If fewer batteries are used for the sake of weight then expect the range to be unimpressive. Which may not be terrible if Mazda spins it as a niche once-in-a-while car driven purely for driving joy with practicality being an afterthought. That seems unlikely, but stranger things have happened.
Don’t expect any official word on this from Mazda, at least not for another few years. In the meantime we’ll try to dig up what we can as this story develops. Are you interested in an electric Mazda MX-5 Miata? Let us know in the comments.