Mazda2 platform to be used for electric vehicle test project
November 27, 2009 by George Skentzos
Mazda has announced that it will provide three Mazda2s for conversion to electric vehicles as part of a new test project in collaboration with Itochu Corporation, Tsukuba City and several other companies.
Commencing in March 2010, the Tsukuba Environmental Style Test Project aims to comprehensively assess a low-carbon energy network composed of electric vehicles (EVs), rapid chargers, fixed battery stations, solar panels and a car sharing service.
The main initiatives of the project will be to assess the viability of reusing EV batteries in fixed battery stations, to develop an effective system to use renewable energy in EVs, and to test the viability of a new service to accelerate the establishment of a low-carbon transport society.
Mazda’s role in the Test Project will be to assist in determining optimum vehicle specifications and evaluating vehicle performance.
Through its participation in the Tsukuba Environmental Style Test Project, Mazda aims to further strengthen the base of its future R&D activities, including the i-stop idling stop system, regenerative braking and hybrid systems.
This reflects the brand’s long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, which was announced in 2007.
Print it: 
Id like one of those, just take that damned ugly smile off it. Keep the old look and give it more ZOOM-ZOOM
I definitely like one electric car. Design looks great, but I have to agree, “smiling look” on the car is not that good. I still prefer the old design.
I’m pretty sure that there is already a company based out of Australia that makes a fully electric car out of Mazda2 cars.
jep, just checked.
They are called energertique and their web site is evme dot com dot au
Is this related to their efforts?
energetique say they make a fully electric car but how many have they produced? I think it is one, and it is not reliable – nor is some of the ’spin’ on their website.
Evme seems to have some strong independent reviews on it’s performance and drivability.
Sure you have the right group in mind?
JB