Panasonic Energy and Mazda are in discussions about establishing a medium- to long-term partnership aimed at meeting the increasing demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
The potential collaboration is poised to leverage Panasonic Energy’s automotive cylindrical lithium-ion batteries, produced at its plants in Japan and North America. Mazda would install these batteries in its EVs, slated for launch in the latter half of the current decade.
Kazuo Tadanobu, President and CEO of Panasonic Energy, said the partnership with Mazda is a significant step toward achieving their goal of harmonizing the pursuit of happiness with a sustainable environment. “With our superior technology and extensive experience, we will drive the growth of the lithium-ion battery industry and further accelerate our efforts to achieve zero emissions,” Tadanobu stated.
Mazda’s Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer, Masahiro Moro, highlighted that the company’s collaboration with Panasonic Energy is part of their electrification strategy. “We are delighted to collaborate with Panasonic Energy, a pioneer in automotive lithium-ion batteries. We will keep contributing to curbing global warming through various initiatives, including our electrification strategy,” Moro said.
The longstanding relationship between Panasonic Group and Mazda extends back to 2012, when Mazda began installing Panasonic batteries in its Demio EV, which has been leased in Japan since then.
This proposed partnership aims to boost both the automotive and battery industries, and address social challenges such as maintaining regional employment and human resource development. With the demand for EVs and automotive batteries growing, this partnership could help propel both companies to the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution.