Mazda's EV Patent Might Be Crucial for the Future of Sports Cars | Carscoops

      Mazda’s innovative electric vehicle design places batteries in an unexpected location to maintain driving feel

      7 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      Mazda's recent patent situates battery cells in the area where a transmission tunnel is typically found.

      The goal is to ensure that any electric sports car it develops retains the handling characteristics of the MX-5.

      This patent also outlines the electric motor being positioned near the vehicle's center.

      Even as the automotive world leans more toward electric SUVs and software subscriptions, some manufacturers still prioritize the driving experience. Mazda has confirmed that the upcoming generation of the MX-5 roadster will adhere to the lightweight philosophy that has made the current model legendary, powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. However, a recent patent application indicates that the company is already planning for an electric future, potentially under the MX-5 name.

      This patent was submitted to the US Patent and Trademark Office in October of the previous year and became publicly accessible in April. It features illustrations of a compact, two-door sports car closely resembling the current MX-5 but equipped with an electric powertrain specifically designed to maintain the vehicle’s well-known agile handling.

      A New Take on EV Design

      Most electric vehicles utilize a skateboard-style platform, featuring a large battery pack positioned flat under the floor. While this design works well for sedans or SUVs, it is less suitable for a sports car, particularly one that aims for a low ride height and a strong connection to the road. Mazda's proposed solution is to arrange the battery cells vertically in a column through what would typically be the transmission tunnel, as reported by Motor1.

      In the patent, Mazda clarifies that this arrangement places the center of gravity nearer to the vehicle's midpoint, resulting in reduced yaw moment of inertia. This leads to improved agility and more balanced handling. The design might also include additional battery modules behind the seats, along with a smaller battery pack positioned in front of the passenger. Rimac's Nevera employs a similar setup, positioning cells in both the tunnel and behind the seats, albeit with more extreme performance objectives in mind.

      Centering the Mass, Preserving the Experience

      Equally intriguing is the placement of the motor in this prospective electric sports car from Mazda. Instead of being positioned between the rear wheels, the rear motor would also be located within the center tunnel, sending power through a differential to the rear. This design helps concentrate the majority of the weight at the center of the car.

      As always, the mere fact that Mazda has sought a patent for this system does not guarantee it will be produced anytime soon. Nevertheless, if the MX-5 eventually transitions into an electric vehicle, it is reassuring to know that it will continue to emphasize sports handling and enjoyable driving dynamics.