Mazda relies on Panasonic batteries

Mazda and Panasonic Energy, a subsidiary of the Panasonic Group, want to take a joint approach to develop electricity. Their recently sealed partnership aims to supply Mazda with lithium-ion cylindrical batteries. These batteries are considered a key component for the next generation of electric vehicles. The talks, which began in June 2023, culminated in a joint agreement in April to supply Mazda electric vehicles and Panasonic batteries.

With this step, Mazda and Panasonic Energy not only want to meet the needs of the active market, but also address social challenges such as finding jobs and developing young talents. This approach is particularly important as the world increasingly seeks sustainable solutions in the automotive industry.

The start of battery production is planned for the period between 2025 and 2030. Panasonic Energy will manufacture these at its factories in Japan and North America, as announced last summer. The initiative is part of a wider strategy to expand the range of electric vehicles while helping to reduce CO₂ emissions.

Executives from both companies spoke highly of the impact of this partnership in the summer of ’23. Kazuo Tadanobu, President and CEO of Panasonic Energy, emphasized the goal of promoting a balanced society that combines sustainability and happiness. Masahiro Moro from Mazda highlighted that the electrification strategy will make a significant contribution to combating global warming.

Mazda has also outlined its vision for the future. The company plans to introduce ten new hybrids and plug-in hybrids by 2025 and aims to be fully electric by 2030. According to Martijn ten Brink, CEO of Mazda Europe, between 40 and 70 percent of Mazda vehicles sold by 2030 could be only electric. More information about the partnership will be announced soon.

Source: Mazda – press release from April 3, 2024