No ICE engine, no problem - Mazda's potential EV Miata could still be a lot of fun

Mazda may have plans to introduce an electric version of its iconic Miata.

While Mazda has already announced that the next version of its Miata, also known as the MX-5, will be gas-powered, the Japanese automaker may already be planning ahead.

The evidence? A patent filed by Mazda in October 2024, titled ‘Electric Automobile’.

The patent was only published in April 2025, containing drawings that heavily resemble a Miata.

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Smart battery allocation may distribute weight better

While the word ‘Miata’ is noticeably absent from the patent filing, the drawings and description certainly show a small sports car.

EVs traditionally have a big problem with inertia, as large battery cells make cornering a less-than-ideal experience.

The plans show the bulk of the batteries sitting in the middle of the car, which is generally occupied by a transmission tunnel and drive shaft.

The patent states that ‘since the battery is installed in the tunnel portion, the vehicle’s gravity center can be close to the center of the vehicle, thereby reducing the yaw moment of inertia more.’

A single electric motor is also mounted in the tunnel, connected via a short drive shaft to a rear differential.

In addition, additional battery cells are located further out from the center, with smaller cells mounted behind each seat.

There’s also a battery mounted ahead of the passenger seat, serving to offset the weight of the driver.

Current technology makes an electric Miata unfeasible

The Miata is famous for maintaining a 50:50 weight distribution within the car.

The drawings within the patent show that Mazda remains committed to making a well-balanced Miata.

In a recent interview, Mazda chief technical officer Ryuichi Umeshita had this to say about the Miata:

“I would say the most important thing is that it is lightweight, and that the second most important thing is that it is lightweight.”

Mazda has stated in the past that while it was willing to consider developing an electric Miata, current battery technology makes it too heavy.

With this in mind, Mazda is likely not to act upon these plans anytime soon, until battery cells become more lightweight.

However, when the day does come, Mazda will be ready.

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