The electric Mazda Miata might soon be more than just a dream. Recent patents suggest this famous Japanese automaker is cooking up an electrified version of its iconic roadster. But can they keep the Miata’s legendary fun-to-drive spirit alive while swapping gas for volts? Let’s dive into the electrifying details.
Mazda Is Thinking Outside the Battery Box
Mazda’s at it again – the latest patent sketches showcase a unique approach to electrifying the Miata. Instead of the typical flat skateboard battery layout, they’ve envisioned a central “spine” of stacked battery cells running from nose to tail. This design aims to maintain the Miata’s low seating position and agile handling by keeping the weight centered and low. It’s weird. It’s bold. It’s very Miata.
Why? Well, Miatas have always been about balance, lightness, and making every drive feel like a go-kart ride on espresso. This setup could allow for rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or even all-wheel drive configurations, depending on motor placement. Mazda’s focus on preserving the Miata’s dynamic driving experience is evident in these design choices.
Battery Placement Aims to Preserve Miata’s Balance
Here’s where things get even more video-game-like. Beyond the central battery spine, the patent details additional battery packs behind each seat and a movable pack ahead of the passenger seat. This movable battery can adjust its position to offset the driver’s weight, ensuring balanced handling whether you’re driving solo or with a passenger.
Such meticulous attention to weight distribution highlights Mazda’s commitment to the Miata’s core philosophy – lightweight, balanced, and fun to drive. And honestly? Respect. This isn’t just cramming the guts of an electric vehicle into a Miata shell. It’s rethinking the whole experience for a new era, one sliding battery at a time.
But Let’s Talk About the Elephant in the Frunk
Electric cars are great for torque, but they’re also kind of heavy. Current battery technology adds weight, which could impact the Miata’s nimbleness. Mazda knows this. Their CTO, Ryuichi Umeshita, said keeping weight down is the top priority for the Miata’s future. The current Miata tips the scales at just under 2,400 pounds.
So don’t expect this four-wheeler to arrive until they find a way to shed those EV pounds. For now, it’s likely that hybrid options will keep things moving while battery tech catches up. But once it does, it will undoubtedly be magnificent!
What Lies Ahead for the Electric Mazda Miata
If these patents are any clue, Mazda’s gearing up to prove that electric cars can still make you grin. Will we see a production of the electric Miata by 2027? Maybe. But it’s more likely Mazda will wait until battery tech can deliver the range and lightness they need to do it right. And that’s a good thing. For now, enthusiasts can look forward to Mazda’s continued commitment to innovation and the Miata’s enduring legacy.
As someone who’s spent years following every twist and turn of this industry, I’ll say this – the electric Mazda Miata could be the car that reminds everyone EVs don’t have to be boring. If anyone can pull off an electric sports car that makes your heart race, it’s Mazda. And if not? Well, there’s always the sound of an electric motor whirring through a canyon road to fall in love with next.
