One notable detail to consider is that Mazda’s upcoming EVs will not qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credits available in the U.S. This is due to new regulations under the Inflation Reduction Act, which require the final assembly of EVs to be completed in North America for eligibility. Mazda’s forthcoming EVs will be manufactured in its Hofu, Japan plant, making them ineligible for this tax incentive. This could potentially put Mazda at a disadvantage compared to domestic competitors whose customers can benefit from these tax breaks.
Intriguingly, Mazda intends to build its new EVs on existing gasoline car platforms, deviating from the trend observed in many rival automakers. Competitors such as GM, Volkswagen, and Honda have embraced dedicated electric platforms, which tend to offer advantages such as reduced weight, improved interior dimensions, and more freedom for innovative, aerodynamic designs.
