EVs' Limited Success in the U.S., Excluding Teslas

author: FutureCar Staff    

Mazda's current lineup in the United States does not include any all-electric vehicles as the MX-30 electric crossover was pulled from the market due to poor sales. However, the automaker does have plans to introduce another battery-electric vehicle in the U.S., although it is not expected to arrive until 2025. Mazda North America CEO Tom Donnelly revealed that the future EV will likely be a crossover and based on an existing nameplate. The automaker is open to adding more EVs in the future depending on consumer demand.

Launching a single new electric vehicle in two years may not give Mazda a significant foothold in the U.S. EV market, but it is a step in the right direction. While Mazda's cautious approach to EVs may raise some concerns, it is important to understand their perspective. Mazda's global CEO Masahiro Moro believes that the share of EVs in the overall U.S. new passenger car market is still relatively small, especially when compared to Tesla's dominance. Moro emphasized the importance of EV technology but noted that demand has not reached a significant level yet.

Moro pointed out that EVs accounted for only 6% of the U.S. market last year, increasing to 8% this year. However, out of that 8%, 57% was attributed to Tesla. Moro also highlighted the lack of charging stations as a hindrance to the growth of EV market share in the United States. He expressed skepticism about the auto industry's ability to achieve a zero-emissions future by 2035, stating that it ultimately depends on consumer choice and the development of adequate social infrastructure.

While Moro's comments may raise eyebrows, it is worth noting that there are other automakers besides Tesla that have seen success in the U.S. EV market. Companies like GM, Volkswagen, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, and others have made significant strides in EV sales. It is important to consider the context in which Moro made his statements.

It is also worth mentioning that Mazda previously attempted to sell an EV in the U.S. with the MX-30, but it did not perform well. The MX-30 had a limited range of 100 miles and was only available in California. Mazda's lackluster effort to offer a successful EV in the U.S. can be attributed to their own shortcomings.

FutureCar Staff