US website The Drive recently uncovered a patent application filed by Mazda that suggests an electric Mazda3 is in the works.
Technical drawings show the skeleton of a body that looks a lot like a current generation Mazda3 sedan with a battery housed under the floor. An electric motor is clearly visible at the front of the platform. According to The Drive, it is argued that an electric motor can also be placed in the rear, which will provide all-wheel drive to the compact.
No details were revealed about the battery in question, other than the fact that it would be rather thin and could be lithium-ion or solid electrolyte.
The project, if it turns out to be really on track, obviously seems to be embryonic. That said, this electric version fits well with the US$14.2 billion electron-fueled shift Mazda plans to take. We wish the plan was more serious than the MX-30 crossover, whose autonomy is laughable.
With good autonomy and a premium not too high compared to gasoline liveries, this model could undoubtedly help to increase the electric footprint of the manufacturer in the country and promote its accessibility.