Few automobile manufacturers can top Mazda when we're talking about electric cars. If you know much about Mazda, you probably know they make some of the most popular and capable vehicles on the market today. But what you may not know is that they have a history of making electric cars as well. Even though Mazda hasn't made as widespread a release of their electric vehicles to date, they have been an innovator in both hybrid and electric technology for years.
The first Mazda electric vehicle was the KODO-Soul Model SX concept shown at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. It looked like a normal RX-8 but had a modified version of the Wankel 2.0-liter engine from the RX-8.
The RX-8 is an expensive car, and Toyota made its engine, so that wouldn't have been an ideal choice for a new electric car. So Mazda set out to create an entirely new engine using Mazda technologies and materials. The new engine features a rotary engine with variable valve timing, fuel injection with direct injection, and variable compression ratio. It also has two electric motors: one to drive the front wheels and the rear wheels.
The KODO-Soul also included several design innovations beyond simple electrical components. The entire dashboard was redesigned to be easier to use while driving, with fewer buttons and displays (some of which were replaced by touch screens) and less space between the steering wheel and driver's seat to feel better what is going on around them. Mazda started selling electric vehicles in 2015. By the time you read this, they will have made at least 1 million of them.
This is an example of a cultural phenomenon known as "the early adopter effect." The most successful companies can see a market before anyone else. This doesn't mean that they start right away. When the first electric vehicle came along, people didn't want to buy them. But there was a lot of interest in it, and Mazda was one of the first companies to see it coming.
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If you're considering a new car, then learning more about the vehicle you're interested in purchasing is essential to ensure a good fit. That's why we've provided information on three factors to consider when buying an electric vehicle to help make your decision easier. Driving an electric vehicle is easy and efficient with our available plug-in and hybrid cars. Explore the latest models or find a new or used car, truck, SUV, or van at one of our dealerships.
