The transition to electric vehicles is inevitable
Japanese automaker Mazda and Panasonic’s energy division are in talks to create a battery supply partnership for electric vehicles, according to Reuters.
As part of the partnership, Panasonic will supply cylindrical lithium-ion batteries made in Japan and North America for Mazda electric vehicles, which are expected to be released in the second half of this decade, the companies said in a statement.
A Mazda spokesperson declined to say which batteries the automaker plans to use in its electric vehicles, adding that it will hold talks to secure deliveries between 2025 and 2027.
Panasonic to supply EV batteries to Mazda
Mazda has identified these years as the second phase of a three-phase plan, saying it will introduce battery-electric vehicle models in the second half of this period. The companies said their talks will focus on partnerships in the medium to long term.
The world’s best-selling automaker Toyota, which owns a 5.1% stake in Mazda, unveiled an extensive plan last week to introduce solid-state batteries and other technologies to increase range and cut costs for future electric vehicles.
Japan said Friday it will increase support for domestic battery manufacturing to $2.2 billion, pledging support to Toyota and other manufacturers as they strive to improve supply chain economic security.
