Mazda plans to make ‘7 or 8’ electric car models by 2030
Slow-moving Mazda, which currently sells one electric car, the MX-30 (and in limited quantities), says it will finally wake from its long slumber and crank out a few more EVs, seven or eight models in fact, and sell them internationally by 2030. Here’s hoping that the promised electric Miata is part of the lineup.
Of course, no precise information – where, what, when – is available, but Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro shared the tidbit with Automotive News in an interview. Moro, who took the helm earlier this year, has been extremely vocal about his reluctance to embrace EVs, saying that they don’t sell unless they are from Tesla. Still, he does say that Mazda will start to make some effort, with the caveat that the Japanese automaker is an “intentional follower” rather than a leader in the sector and that the market is still too shaky to dive in headfirst.
“For us, the demand for electric models is too uncertain,” Moro told Automotive News. “The demand for electric cars is still growing too slowly. Right now, customers are still looking for alternatives that are not EVs.”
The company has indicated that it expects some 25 to 40% of its international sales to be electric vehicles by 2030 – which won’t meet EPA requirements. Still, to make that uninspiring goal happen, Mazda has launched a department to develop these new cars based on what will be a modular EV platform, expected to debut between 2025 and 2027. According to the report, the details of the platform are still being developed in response to evolving regulations and politics, with Moro adding that the financial unpredictability surrounding EVs could play a part in scaling up the platform.
The first step is to design and manufacture electric vehicles for Japan, from 2025 to 2027, and then launch them potentially in North America next, from 2028. By 2030, Mazda aims to have seven or eight BEVs sold globally.
Moro adds that the company will work with its partner, the behemoth Toyota, on software and electrical infrastructures, with the mission to create smart, “socially connected battery EVs,” with software crucial to that process. As much as 90% of the software will be based on Toyota’s, including the hardware and operating systems.
“It’s much more efficient because the software is going to be the base for many products going forward,” Moro told Automotive News of the partnership with Toyota. “There are many things an individual company can’t do alone.”
Electrek’s Take
Earlier this year, Mazda announced an “electrified” Miata was in the works for 2026, but it didn’t specify whether it would be fully electric, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid. So, if it could capture that Miata magic in an electric version – a fun-driving, agile, sporty car that looks a lot more expensive than it is – that would be a sure thing. But, it’s hard to feel real optimism from Mazda, from the looks of the MX-30, which got pulled from the US after selling only a few dozen units. Mazda, along with other Japanese automakers, is, of course, way behind the curve here.
Moro did, however, hint that Mazda will stick to what it arguably does best, designing a small, lightweight EV and keeping costs pared down. Still, the company is banking on the popularity of its bestselling ICE CX-50 and CX-90 SUVs to bring it a record year in profit in the US, selling 389,000 vehicles in the US, a 22% bump from last year. It hasn’t broken this record since 1986. It has recently debuted PHEV versions of both models for 2024, but we’ve still nary a fully electric version in sight.
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Electric vehicles’ share of the market continues to climb in America’s second city, with BEV registrations up more than 50% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period last year. Great news, but charging hasn’t up – but a new plan from Chicago Department of Transportation aims to build up enough infrastructure for the city to keep up.
In a bid to keep up with the rapid growth of EVs, Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT is currently seeking public feedback on a plan called “Chicago Moves Electric Framework.” The city’s first such plan, it outlines initiatives that include a curbside charging pilot through the city’s utility, ComEd, and expanded charging access in key areas throughout the city.
Unlike other such plans, however, the new plan aims to focus on bringing electric vehicle charging to EIEC and low income communities, too.
“Through this framework, we are setting clear goals and identifying solutions that reflect the voices of our residents, communities, and regional partners,” said CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney. “By prioritizing equity and public input, we’re creating a roadmap for electric transportation that serves every neighborhood and helps drive down emissions across Chicago.”
Neighborhoods on the south and west sides of Chicago experience a disproportionate amount of air pollution and diesel emissions, largely due to vehicle emissions according to CDOT. Despite that, most of Chicago’s public charging stations are clustered in higher-income areas while just 7.8% are in environmental justice neighborhoods that face higher environmental burdens.
“Too often, communities facing the greatest economic and transportation barriers also experience the most air pollution,” explains Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By prioritizing investments in historically underserved areas and making clean transportation options more affordable and accessible, we can improve both mobility and public health.”
The Framework identifies other near-term policy objectives, as well – such as streamlining the EV charger installation process for businesses and residents and implementing “Low-Emission Zones” in areas disproportionately impacted by air pollution by limiting, or even restricting, access to conventional medium- and heavy-duty vehicles during peak hours.
The Chicago Moves Electric Framework includes the installation of Level 2 and DC fast charging stations in public locations such as libraries and Chicago’s Midway Airport, “supporting not only personal EVs but also electric taxis, ride-hail and commercial fleets.”
Chicago has a goal of installing 2,500 public passenger EV charging stations and electrifying the city’s entire municipal vehicle fleet by 2035.
Electrek’s Take
I hate to sound like a bed-wetting liberal here, guys, but Chicago is getting EVs absolutely right with big utility incentives on both vehicles and infrastructure, a governor willing to stand behind smart environmental policy, and a solid push for more and better infrastructure in the areas where they’ll do the most good. They’re even thinking of the children.
Here’s hoping more cities follow suit.
SOURCE: ComEd, via Smart Cities Dive; featured image by EVgo.
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With a fully-enclosed, G-Wagen-inspired body and an 80 mile electric range, the Bodo G-Wagon golf cart is the NEV you need when you decide it’s time to get serous one-upping the rest of the Palm Beach country clubbers.
If you love the look of the $230,000 Mercedes-Benz G580 off-roader, but think the 579 hp, 6,800 lb. electric 4×4 is probably overkill for occasional trips to the golf course and country club, this G-Wagen-inspired golf cart might be just what you’re looking for.
The shiny black 2024 Bodo G-Wagon sold at Mecum Auctions last month for $31,900, which seems like it might not be a lot of money to the sort of person who decides to take a flyer on a goofy, limited-use EV that ships with real, metal doors, power windows, heating and air conditioning, fully digital instrument cluster and infotainment, and a “posh,” caramel leather interior.
It even has windshield wipers, power steering, and a rear-seat entertainment system that’s built into the front headrests!
It’s really nice in there
Under the hood, the Bodo packs a 15 kW (20 hp) electric motor drawing power from a 10 kWh li-ion battery that won’t deliver a scorching 0-60 mph time (it only goes 35), but will deliver you and your buddies from one end of any golf course in North America and back several times over, thanks to the G-Wagon’s 80 mile range.
The official Mecum Auctions listing goes into a bit more detail, and I’ve included it here, in case it gets deleted after a while and you’re just finding this for the first time in 2027:
Be the envy of any country club or golf community showing up with this 2024 Bodo G-Wagon Golf Cart. Perhaps more appropriately known as an E-Wagon, this baby G-Wagon is powered by a 15kW motor with a 10kWh lithium battery. Boasting an 80-mile range and a 35 MPH top speed, the Bodo is an enclosed, luxury golf cart that pampers occupants with heating and air conditioning, rear-seat entertainment, power windows, power locks and a posh, caramel-colored interior. With the Bodo fitted with power steering and 4-wheel power disc brakes with brake boost, drivers will think they’re in a full-size G-Wagon, thanks to the multiscreen entertainment cluster, the rearview camera, windshield wipers, turn signals, running lights and so much more.
Finished in black with the right amount of brightwork, the overall vibe is one of jaw-dropping, smile-inducing fun. While the Bodo would be an excellent choice for any golf community, it should also prove to be hugely popular around a race track or car condo community as well, or maybe even a neighborhood with its own airplane runways. Over the past decade in particular, the demand for unique, luxury golf carts has been on the rise, and understandably so. The number of luxury communities with specific interests in sports, aero and auto has also been on the rise, with people buying homes in these exclusive locations to better engage with like-minded people. All too often a golf cart is the perfect way to get around these gated neighborhoods, and this one is enclosed, comes with the amenities of a full-size car and is infinitely more stylish.
You can check out a few more photos of the 2024 Bodo G-Wagon golf cart that sold at Mecum, below – and if you want one for yourself, you’re in luck! I found this brand-new 2025 “G600 E-Wagon” (in white) for $23,900 at Gulf Carts in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Head on down to the comments and let us know if you buy it.
G-Wagon golf cart gallery
SOURCE | LOTS MORE PHOTOS: Mecum Auctions.
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