Tag Archives: EVs

News

The ‘E-Mazda’ Team Prepares a True Driver’s EV for 2027

Mazda has never rushed to follow the crowd. While most of the automotive world has been racing to electrify lineups and chase range numbers, Hiroshima’s favorite underdog has stayed busy doing what it does best—refining the art of the drive. But now, the company is stepping firmly into the EV era. The first bespoke Mazda electric vehicle is officially in development, with prototypes already running and a launch slated for 2027.

For a brand that built its identity around lightweight sports cars and soulful combustion engines, this marks a historic shift. Until now, Mazda’s EV experiments have been built on borrowed bones. The MX-30, its first electric crossover, shared its structure with the CX-30. And the upcoming EZ-60 SUV and 6e sedan will rely on underpinnings from Mazda’s Chinese joint venture with Dongfeng. But this new platform—developed completely in-house—signals a clean break from that past.

Chief Technology Officer Ryuichi Umeshita confirmed the move represents Mazda’s next phase of electrification. “We’ve established our own electrification development team, which we call E-Mazda, and that team has been doing a great job,” he told Autocar. “I’ve driven a prototype already—it’s a real jinba ittai car.” That Japanese term, meaning “horse and rider as one,” has long been the company’s guiding principle for driver engagement. The message is clear: this EV won’t just be efficient—it will feel like a Mazda.

Umeshita admits Mazda is “behind rivals” in launching a dedicated EV platform, but he’s quick to frame that as deliberate rather than negligent. The MX-30 program, he says, gave Mazda’s engineers valuable experience in electric powertrains and packaging. “We have a lot of good, experienced engineers already,” he noted. “I don’t think we’re behind the market because of that.”

As for what form the first ground-up Mazda EV will take, that’s still undecided. It could be a volume-selling crossover to meet tightening global regulations, or something more niche—perhaps a driver-focused model to make a statement. “It depends on the market and the regulations,” Umeshita explained. “If the regulation requires a higher EV mix, it must be a volume car. If the regulation is eased, we can ease the volume restraints.”

Behind the scenes, Mazda is overhauling its entire development process. The company’s so-called “lean asset strategy” uses advanced simulation tools, AI-assisted engineering, and strategic supplier partnerships to cut costs and lead times dramatically. Mazda claims this approach allows its teams to complete three times as much development work with the same resources—a vital advantage for an independent automaker competing in an industry dominated by global giants.

Still, for Mazda, it’s not just about efficiency—it’s about emotion. If Umeshita’s early drive impressions are any indication, the brand’s first bespoke EV might just prove that even in a silent, battery-powered future, Mazda can still make a car that feels alive.

Source: Mazda

News

Toyota’s Solid-State Revolution: The Future of Performance EVs Is Closer Than You Think

By 2028, Toyota might just rewrite the rules of electric performance. The Japanese automaker has confirmed that its long-awaited solid-state battery (SSB) technology will finally reach production—and the first car to wear this next-generation power source will be a high-performance EV.

For years, solid-state batteries have been the holy grail of electric mobility: smaller, lighter, and vastly more energy-dense than the lithium-ion packs powering today’s EVs. They promise dramatically longer range, faster charging, and less degradation over time—all while reducing the environmental toll of production and disposal.

Toyota’s been chasing this breakthrough for nearly a decade. Now, according to Keiji Kaita, president of Toyota’s Carbon Neutral Engineering Development Centre, the company is “sticking on schedule” to put the first SSB-equipped model into production by 2027 or 2028.

“For the all-solid-state battery, the characteristic is high power, compact and long range,” Kaita said at the Tokyo motor show. “The cars will leverage these attributes.”

Why Solid-State Matters

Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that rely on liquid electrolytes, solid-state packs use a solid ceramic material to transfer ions between the electrodes. The payoff? More power and range in a smaller footprint, with the added benefits of improved safety and longevity.

Toyota claims its prototype SSB can triple driving range, double power output, and last four times longer than current EV batteries. The company has already tested packs capable of delivering up to 745 miles on a single charge—numbers that could make even today’s most efficient EVs seem obsolete overnight.

But range is only part of the story. The compact dimensions of SSBs allow engineers to rethink vehicle proportions entirely. With thinner floor-mounted packs, designers can lower rooflines and seating positions, reclaim interior space, and craft sleeker silhouettes that were once the sole domain of supercars.

A Supercar Launchpad

That’s why the first Toyota SSB model won’t be a commuter crossover—it’ll be a halo performance machine. All signs point to the upcoming Lexus electric supercar, a spiritual successor to the LFA, as the technology’s debut platform.

With an ultra-low stance and lightweight structure, the Lexus EV will reportedly serve as a battery-powered sibling to the V8-engined Toyota GR supercar that’s also in the works. If the rumors hold true, we could be looking at a dual-pronged attack from Toyota: one celebrating combustion’s last stand, and the other ushering in a new era of electric performance.

When pressed for details, Kaita played coy. “Whether it will be a Lexus or Toyota, we will leave that to your imagination,” he teased.

Greener, Longer, Smarter

The benefits of solid-state go beyond speed and range. According to Toyota, the technology could cut the total carbon footprint of an EV battery by up to 75%—thanks to longer lifespans and cleaner production processes.

“We will try to reduce the carbon footprint, and the key here is reducing the CO₂ output in manufacturing the material,” said Kaita. “But the most important thing is producing a battery whose life is longer.”

A longer-lasting pack not only means fewer replacements, but also less waste—a major step toward Toyota’s broader goal of carbon neutrality across the product life cycle.

The Road Ahead

Toyota’s chief technology officer, Hiroki Nakajima, confirmed that solid-state batteries could, in theory, slot into the company’s existing EV platforms—offering the same range in half the space. However, he hinted that SSBs will shine brightest in new, dedicated architectures designed to fully exploit their advantages.

Meanwhile, for more mainstream models, Toyota is developing a next-gen lithium-ion battery with a lower height and innovative packaging. This version, showcased in the sleek Corolla EV concept, helps lower the center of gravity while freeing up interior volume—proof that efficiency and style don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

Toyota’s patient, methodical approach to solid-state batteries might finally pay off. If the company can deliver on its promise—a high-performance EV with 700+ miles of range, supercar agility, and long-term sustainability—it won’t just be catching up to Tesla or Porsche. It’ll be redefining what an electric vehicle can be.

And if the first car to carry that technology happens to wear a Lexus badge, we may be witnessing not just a new battery, but the rebirth of Japan’s most iconic supercar spirit—this time, powered by electrons.

Source: Toyota

NEW CARS

Kia Makes Its Long-Awaited Japan Debut With the PV5: A Modular Electric Van With Big Ambitions

Kia is officially entering the Japanese market—and it’s doing so with a statement piece. At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, running from October 29 to November 9, the South Korean automaker will unveil the PV5, its first Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) model. More than just another EV, the PV5 represents Kia’s opening move in Japan and a major milestone in its global electrification strategy.

A Strategic Reentry Backed by a Heavyweight Partner

It’s not often that a foreign automaker reenters Japan with this kind of precision and ambition. Kia’s debut is powered by a strategic alliance with Sojitz Group, a major Japanese conglomerate with deep roots in the nation’s automotive, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Together, the two companies have founded Kia PBV Japan, a Sojitz-operated sales subsidiary that will oversee the brand’s PBV rollout.

The goal? Launch eight dealerships and 100 service centers across Japan in the first year—a bold move in a country where brand loyalty and trust are hard-earned.

Kia and Sojitz share a lofty mission: to push Japan toward carbon-neutral mobility, while using the PBV lineup to solve social challenges like aging demographics, regional depopulation, and logistics bottlenecks. It’s a tall order—but if the PV5 delivers on its promises, it might just prove that EV innovation doesn’t have to come from Tokyo or Nagoya.

“The PV5 is not just a vehicle—it’s a mobility platform designed to meet the diverse needs of customers in Japan,” says Sangdae Kim, Executive VP and Head of Kia’s PBV Division. “We aim to deliver meaningful solutions that support people, empower businesses, and strengthen local communities.”

Meet the PV5: Kia’s Swiss Army Van

The PV5 is Kia’s first purpose-built EV designed for business, mobility, and lifestyle versatility. Built on the company’s dedicated E-GMP.S (Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service) architecture, the PV5 is engineered to be as flexible as a Lego set on wheels.

Thanks to Kia’s new Flexible Body System, the PV5 can be configured into up to 16 variants—ranging from delivery vans and people movers to wheelchair-accessible shuttles and leisure-oriented family haulers. Production comes from Kia’s eco-friendly PBV EVO Plant, which combines modular cell-based manufacturing with conventional conveyor efficiency.

Japanese-Tuned Electric Flexibility

At the Japan Mobility Show, Kia will showcase several Japan-specific PV5 versions that reflect the country’s unique social and urban mobility needs.

PV5 Cargo

  • 5.5-meter turning radius, ideal for navigating Japan’s famously tight streets
  • Up to 528 km of range (WLTC) from a 71.2 kWh battery
  • Dual-swing tailgate for easy loading in narrow parking spots
  • 12.9-inch infotainment system with Fleet Management System (FMS) integration
  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) tailored for dense city driving

PV5 Passenger

  • 399 mm step height and wide doors, perfect for aging passengers or community shuttles
  • Up to 521 km of range (WLTC)
  • Flexible Fold seating system for passenger or cargo use
  • Kia AddGear modular system, allowing users to add mobility aids, business tools, or leisure gear
  • Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) power outlets—both inside and out—for camping or worksite use

PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle)

  • Designed with input from mobility-impaired users
  • Features a low floor and side-entry ramp for easy wheelchair access
  • Includes universal restraint systems for secure transport

Inside Kia’s PBV Vision

Beyond the vehicle itself, Kia’s PBV strategy is a forward-looking business ecosystem. The automaker envisions software-defined mobility, where vehicles evolve through over-the-air (OTA) updates and integrate seamlessly into business and urban infrastructure.

At the brand’s show stand in Tokyo, Kia is highlighting ten sustainable material innovations, a color chip wall showcasing the brand’s design direction, and the AddGear platform—a modular accessories program that lets users tailor their PV5 for work or play.

The Road Ahead

The PV5 is set to go on sale in Japan in the first half of 2026, with the Passenger and Cargo Long models leading the charge. Kia isn’t stopping there—plans are already in motion for the PV7, a larger PBV expected to debut in 2027.

With its reentry into Japan, Kia is betting big on modular electric mobility—and on the idea that flexibility, sustainability, and purpose-built design can carve out a niche even in one of the world’s toughest automotive markets.

If the PV5 drives as well as it’s been designed to think, Kia’s long-awaited Japanese comeback might not just be a return—it could be a reinvention.

Source: KIA