Mazda Building New Cylindrical Battery Plant

Mazda is constructing a new plant in Iwakuni, Japan, to produce cylindrical lithium-ion battery packs. Set to open in 2027, the facility will support Mazda's global electrification strategy.

Mazda Motor Corporation has finalized an agreement with Iwakuni City and the Yamaguchi Prefecture to construct a new manufacturing facility. This plant will be dedicated to producing module packs that use cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells, a critical component for the company’s future electric vehicle lineup. The new facility represents a significant investment in Mazda’s electrification efforts and marks a major step in its global strategy.

Key Highlights

  • Mazda signed an agreement to build the new Mazda Motor Corporation Iwakuni Plant.
  • The plant will produce module packs for cylindrical lithium-ion batteries.
  • Battery cells will be supplied by Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd.
  • Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2025, with operations starting in 2027.
  • The facility is expected to reach a maximum annual production capacity of 10 GWh.

A Foundation for Global Electrification

The construction of the Iwakuni Plant is a cornerstone of Mazda’s multi-solution approach to vehicle electrification. This global strategy is designed to flexibly meet the diverse needs of customers worldwide while adapting to evolving market demands and environmental regulations. By securing a stable, high-quality supply of battery packs, Mazda is positioning itself to expand its range of electrified products. This move will empower the company to deliver attractive and sustainable mobility solutions that meet increasingly stringent global emissions standards. The new facility is a key foundation for this worldwide strategy, ensuring Mazda remains competitive in the rapidly transitioning automotive landscape.

New Plant Overview

The new facility, officially named the Mazda Motor Corporation Iwakuni Plant, will be located at 3915 Minamishirazaki, Tsuzu, in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The plant will be built on a land area of approximately 190,000 square meters. Its primary product will be cylindrical lithium-ion battery packs for automotive use. At its peak, the facility is planned to have an annual production capacity of 10 GWh. This substantial output will play a crucial role in powering Mazda’s next generation of vehicles. The project timeline indicates that construction will commence in November 2025, with the start of operations slated for the fiscal year 2027.

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