Mazda feels confident filling gaps in its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio using models from its Chinese joint venture with Changan, prompting a two-year delay of its next fully in-house dedicated EV until 2029.

Unlike Honda, which canceled nearly production-ready EVs and paused new EV and battery facilities indefinitely, Mazda is postponing projects it had not yet significantly funded.

"Did we have to impair or write off any facilities? We have not," Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro stated during a May 12 earnings call, according to Automotive News.

"We made the decision before we started. For battery EVs we were always careful."

The postponement stems from stricter US tariffs, relaxed emissions requirements, and the elimination of EV incentives there.

Following its 2022 commitment of 1.5 trillion yen (A$13.14 billion) for electrification by 2030 - later increased to 2 trillion yen (A$17.52 billion) for inflation - Mazda has now reduced it to 1.2 trillion yen (A$10.5 billion).

"This is not merely a cutback, but a strategic optimisation - a process of selection and concentration," the company noted in its fiscal year March 2026 financial results.

"We conducted a thorough review of our in-house BEV program. We streamlined our battery, electric drive, motor, and product lineups. We are also considering how to optimise launch timing based on market trends."

Mazda continues to plan EV introductions via its Changan partnership, targeting four models total. The 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV have been unveiled, with both confirmed for a 2026 Australian launch.

This aligns with its 'Lean Asset Strategy,' emphasizing active use of partner assets over complete self-reliance.

Beyond Changan, Mazda collaborates closely with Toyota - holding about five percent ownership - sourcing tech like the CX-50 hybrid system and full vehicles such as the European Mazda 2, which is a rebadged Toyota Yaris.

Mazda unveiled its SkyActiv Scalable EV Architecture in 2021, initially targeting a 2025 debut for the first model, later shifted to 2027. An earlier report this year suggested 2028, now extended further to 2029.

Similar to Toyota, Mazda pursues a 'multi-pathway' powertrain approach, offering combustion, mild-hybrid, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric options by market.

The company is focusing resources heavily on "areas that create unique brand value," such as its Large Architecture vehicles including the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90, alongside internal-combustion engines and hybrids.

While the CX-50 employs Toyota hybrid tech, the upcoming CX-5 will introduce an in-house hybrid system around 2027, one of three new hybrids planned by 2030.

Mazda anticipates full-scale electrification acceleration post-2030. Until late 2028, priorities include next-generation batteries, assembly plants, internal-combustion development, and hybrid expansion.

By 2030, EVs should represent 15 percent of global sales, equating to 200,000 to 250,000 units. Changan-sourced Mazda EVs are confirmed for select export markets like Australia and Europe, but not yet for North America or Japan.