Next-Generation Mazda MX-5 Could Go Electric

Mazda has confirmed that an electric future is being considered for the next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata, marking one of the biggest changes in the roadster's history. While the company remains committed to its legendary lightweight philosophy, tightening global emissions regulations mean engineers must prepare the iconic sports car for a battery-electric powertrain.

According to Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro, the next Mazda MX-5 Miata is being developed with the flexibility to support a fully electric drivetrain. The biggest challenge isn't performance—it's weight. Since its debut more than three decades ago, the Miata has built its reputation on agility rather than raw horsepower, making battery mass one of the project's biggest engineering hurdles.

For reference, the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club weighs just 2,366 pounds (1,073 kg) and measures 157 inches (399 cm) in length. Mazda's engineers are targeting an impressive curb weight of 2,200–2,645 pounds (1,000–1,200 kg) for the next-generation model, an ambitious goal for any modern EV.

At the same time, Mazda isn't abandoning combustion power. The company is preparing a new 2.5-liter Skyactiv-Z four-cylinder engine, while hybrid versions are also under evaluation. Even more importantly for enthusiasts, Mazda says it intends to keep the manual transmission available for as long as possible, preserving the brand's famous Jinba Ittai philosophy—the feeling of complete harmony between driver and machine.

Will an electric Mazda MX-5 Miata still deliver the same driving excitement that made it a legend? Would you sacrifice driving range to keep the car exceptionally light? Or is a hybrid Skyactiv-Z model the perfect compromise before the Miata eventually becomes fully electric?