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| Image Source: Mazda |
In a recent announcement, Mazda made known the testing of its Skyactiv-X compression ignition engine, which is capable (as stated) to burn gasoline with diesel-like efficiency — no spark required. If it really succeed in such an environmental friendly project by the projected launch date of 2019, that will make it the first mass-produced car of its kind and will definitely be showered with praise from environmentalists and enthusiasts in the industry.
However, as events unfold, there seem to be a rampant increase as more and more manufacturers are willing and likely to embrace the idea of electricity as the next improvement to efficiency. That makes Mazda a bit different or strange to be specific, and got us imagining when the company would embrace the idea of electrification. Particularly when it has already partnered with the Japanese giant; Toyota to tighten its hold on the technology.
The current trend in the industry is for an automaker to select a date for absolute electrification, announce to the press, and maybe even pat itself on the back for a job well carried-out. Volvo set its date for widespread EV/hybrid usage as 2019, but other automakers have given more conservative estimates with a median of 2025. For Mazda, a report from Kyodo News (via Reuters) indicates that the Japanese automaker will electrify its entire lineup by “early 2030s.”
While the company is yet to respond to the claim, the news is likely associated with its “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030” campaign, which targets the brand’s long-term strategy on tech development — including Skyactiv-X.
That’s quite a further out compared to its rivals. There is little speculation that Mazda will eventually bolster its EV footprint, especially since it currently only has one (overseas) hybrid model, plans made more than a decade to come aren’t of much use to anyone right now.