You May Not Like It, but the Mazda MX-5 Miata’s Fate Is Inevitably Electric

CEO Masahiro Moto-san basically said the next-gen model will be electrified to some capacity.

Red Mazda convertible sports car front with visible headlight, grille, and license plate.

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Published 2 hours ago

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Welp, it appears the Mazda MX-5 Miata’s electrified fate is solidified and in the books. New reports recently surfaced, citing conversations with key executives, who essentially confirmed that the next-gen Miata will be going all electric to some major degree.

Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport recently chatted with Mazda’s CEO, Masahiro Moro. And in their chat, Moro basically said both Mazda and the world need to be prepared for a Miata without internal combustion power.

The next-gen Miata MX-5 is going electric in some capacity

Red Mazda convertible sports car and silver convertible sports car on city street with historic buildings. — Mazda apparently changed their minds and are preparing for an all-electric Miata.

Over the past several months, news began hyping up around the next-generation Miata. That’s because the current model’s been with us for about a decade, meaning it is very much due for a replacement.

Mazda generally treats the world with a new generation every 10 years. But because of a variety of external factors, such as Mazda slightly pumping the brakes on its electrification strategy, while also trying to weather several geopolitical and economic circumstances, the company’s had to push the next-gen MX-5 back.

Silver convertible sports car driving on a road at sunset with mountains in the background. — The next-gen model will be electrified in some capacity.

Additionally, since the world is expecting a new Miata to arrive, fans and enthusiasts are wondering what’s next. Originally, Mazda downplayed rumors of an all-electric Miata due to their adamancy to keep the Miata lightweight.

It’s no mystery that EVs and their electrical componentry are incredibly heavy, which clashes with the model’s ethos. However, because emissions regulations are still nudging the industry towards an electrified future, there’s only so much Mazda can do to push the transition back.

Three Mazda MX-5 convertible sports cars in gray, silver, and red parked on a rocky cliffside with people nearby. — Originally, Mazda downplayed the prospect of electrifying the Miata due to weight concerns.

“The successor must also be ready for a scenario without a combustion engine,” Moro told the publication, when asked about the Miata’s future. “The challenge for us is to make the basic structure lighter without using exotic materials like carbon fiber.”

Which, also makes sense since carbon fiber is still a far more expensive material than steel or aluminum alloys. Raising the price to compensate for the use of carbon fiber also clashes with the Miata’s affordable reputation.

The Miata might still have optional gas power

Now, Mazda thinks they can still make an electric Miata while keeping it light and agile.

Mazda

But all is not lost for both Miata and internal combustion fans. Moro further hinted that there’s a possibility the Miata might adopt a multi-energy approach.

The latter is where an automaker offers multiple propulsion system options for the same model. In other words, buyers may be able to choose either a gas engine or the new electric version. But both will still ultimately be Miatas.

Red Mazda MX-5 RF sports car parked on a concrete driveway in front of a modern garage with glass doors. — A new Miata is likely a few years away, which means the current model will continue marching on.

Originally, back in February 2026, Mazda Europe’s chief for research and development Christian Schultze downplayed the electrification rumor to Dutch motoring journalists, citing the Miata’s engineering weight requirements.

But in the latest chat with Moro, the company’s apparently had to change their strategy.

“The target weight for the developers is between just under 1,000 and 1,200 kilograms,” Moro concluded with Auto Motor und Sport. “And I believe we can achieve that.”

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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