Mazda CX-5 EV Coming Soon, Says North American CEO
The launch of the first-ever CX-5 Hybrid has sparked a lot of anticipation, but Mazda’s North American CEO has now confirmed that a Mazda CX-5 EV, a fully electric version of the carmaker’s top-selling model, is also in the works.
Tom Donnelly, CEO of Mazda North American Operations (MNAO), briefly mentioned an all-electric Mazda CX-5 when speaking about the CX-5 Hybrid and its internally developed powertrain in a recent interview with U.S. News & World Report.
The Mazda North American CEO didn’t give any details on the first-ever Mazda CX-5 electric model, like its estimated range or arrival date. But we don’t expect the CX-5 EV to arrive at dealership showrooms until several years after the third-generation CX-5 gas model and new CX-5 Hybrid debut for 2026.
Mazda’s Electrification Plans to Bring First-Ever CX-5 EV
Mazda has previously stated its electrification plans will happen in three phases.
Phase 1, from 2022 to 2024, involved accelerating technological development for the age of electrification. That phase brought us electrified models like the Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid and CX-70 PHEV.
The transition to electrification continues in Phase 2 from 2025 to 2027, with the arrival of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid (featuring a Toyota-sourced hybrid setup) and the CX-5 Hybrid, equipped with a newly developed Mazda hybrid system. Advanced launches of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) toward the end of Phase 2 are possible.
Phase 3, from 2028 to 2030, is planned to bring a full-scale launch of battery electric vehicles.
Mazda CX-5 EV Release Date: Imminent or Delayed?
A lot has changed since Mazda first laid out its plans for full EVs by the end of this decade. A gradually slowing EV adoption rate in many markets, for one. Mazda’s multi-faceted approach to electrification – or adjusting its electrified powertrain offering to consumers’ tastes – could ultimately mean its adoption of full EVs is pushed back further.
We envision Mazda will take a staggered approach to releasing the various powertrain options in the next iteration of its most popular model, with the high-volume gas and hybrid CX-5 versions arriving first. Then, the electric CX-5 will be added later, continuing the new model’s momentum and bringing in new customers who will only consider a fully electric vehicle.
Given the timeline of Phase 3 electrification, the first-ever Mazda CX-5 EV might not arrive until around 2028 or later, which would put its debut about three years into the third-generation CX-5 model’s production run.
Mazda’s intentional follower status in the push toward electrification means we don’t expect more than one or two fully electric vehicles from the automaker in the coming years.
The CX-50 Hybrid, as MNAO CEO Donnelly has stated, is off to a strong start, with the model being the quickest mover off dealership lots. We suspect the more popular CX-5’s new hybrid model will be even more of a smashing success for Mazda than the CX-50 Hybrid and large platform PHEV models.
CX-5 EV: The First Global Long-Range Mazda Electric SUV?
All images – Source: Mazda
Will the CX-5 EV be the first global electric SUV in Mazda’s portfolio, or will an all-new nameplate lead the charge to become the brand’s first dedicated long-range EV? Before Tom Donnelly’s recent comments, we would have expected the latter.
Automakers are divided on whether to develop standalone EV models or offer a fully electric version of an existing, established nameplate.
Mazda first tried its hand at a full EV with the short-lived MX-30, and its partner Toyota, created the bZ4X, another small electric crossover. Honda developed the Prologue EV in partnership with GM, based on the Ultium platform that also underpins more established electrified nameplates like the Chevy Equinox EV and Blazer EV.
Others, like Ford (Mazda’s former corporate partner), have found EV sales success by introducing electric models based on iconic, top-selling vehicles like the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning.
With the CX-5 being Mazda’s undisputed sales champion, releasing a fully electric variant seems like the right first step in the carmaker’s full-scale launch of bonafide EVs.
Now, our next question is: how will the Mazda CX-5 EV design compare to the gas-burning and hybrid-powered models?
We’ll have to wait and see if Mazda adopts a more daring direction for the electric CX-5 or closely mirrors the size, shape, and design language of the gas-powered and hybrid versions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the CX-5 EV
When is the Mazda CX-5 EV release date?
There is no scheduled Mazda CX-5 EV release date at this time. However, the first-ever CX-5 EV is expected to arrive during Phase 3 of Mazda’s stated electrification plans, before 2030. Stay tuned for more news on the CX-5 electric SUV that’s anticipated to debut following the release of the third-generation CX-5 crossover and first CX-5 Hybrid model.
What has Mazda said about the CX-5 EV?
Mazda has stated very little about the CX-5 EV that’s currently in development. We only know it’s in development because of Mazda North American Operations CEO Tom Donnelly’s recent comments alluding to an electric CX-5 that will be formally announced after another electrified CX-5, the new Mazda CX-5 Hybrid, is released alongside the third-generation gas-powered model of the automaker’s best-selling SUV.
What is the expected Mazda CX-5 EV range?
We expect the Mazda CX-5 EV to have a targeted range of 300 miles or more. A 300-mile or higher CX-5 EV range would make this Mazda electric vehicle competitive in its segment if it were released today. However, this Mazda EV hasn’t debuted and has no set release date so it could be up to several years off. As potentially Mazda’s first full-fledged global electric SUV, we don’t anticipate the CX-5 EV to be class-leading in range, but still competitive.