- The patents show battery cells positioned where a transmission tunnel would normally sit.
- Mazda’s plan is to ensure that any electric sports car it builds handles like the MX-5.
- This patent also describes the electric motor sitting near the center of the car.
Mazda has confirmed that the next-generation MX-5 will stick with the lightweight philosophy that’s made the current car so iconic and will be powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, a recent patent filing indicates that the automaker is already thinking about how it could make an electric sports car in the future, possibly carrying the MX-5 nameplate.
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This patent was filed to the US Patent and Trademark Office in October last year and publicized in April. It includes depictions of a small, two-door sports car very similar to the current MX-5, but with an electric powertrain designed in such a way as to retain the iconic handling characteristics of the legendary sports car.
Read: Mazda’s Next Miata Hides A Big Surprise Under The Hood
Most EVs hitting the market are based around simple skateboard platforms where a large battery pack is positioned under the floor. This is fine for a sedan or an SUV, but doesn’t work so well in a sports car, particularly if you want to be seated as low as possible. Mazda’s solution is to arrange the battery cells in a large column where a transmission tunnel would ordinarily sit, Motor1 notes.
In the patent, Mazda says that this arrangement means the gravity center of the vehicle will be near the center, “thereby reducing the yaw moment of inertia more.” It could also use additional cells behind the seats, and a small bank in front of the passenger seat. The Rimac Nevera adopts a similar approach, although in addition to cells being placed through its central tunnel, it has a large bank of batteries directly behind the seats.
Just as interesting as the position of the batteries in this potential new electric sports car from Mazda is the motor. Rather than the rear motor being mounted between the rear wheels, it would also be positioned in the center tunnel, transmitting power through a differential to the rear. This would also help to concentrate most weight in the center of the car.
As always, the fact that Mazda has applied to patent this system doesn’t mean it will reach production, let alone in the near future. However, if the MX-5 does eventually morph into an EV, it’s good to know it will continue to prioritize sports handling and fun-to-drive dynamics.
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