Mazda to Build Iwakuni EV Battery Plant in Yamaguchi by FY2027
Mazda Motor Corporation has signed an agreement with Iwakuni City and Yamaguchi Prefecture to construct the "Mazda Motor Corporation Iwakuni Plant", a new facility that will produce module packs for automotive use utilising cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells supplied by Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. Construction is scheduled to start in November 2025. Mazda plans to begin operations in fiscal year 2027. The Iwakuni Plant will become Mazda’s first new domestic facility since the Hofu No.2 Plant began operations in 1992, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to advanced EV battery production in Japan.
Mazda promotes electrification through a multi-solution approach that addresses diverse customer needs across markets, and the Iwakuni Plant will serve as the anchor for this global strategy. The company will create a safe, secure and comfortable workplace, support local employment, and stimulate economic development in Iwakuni City and the wider Yamaguchi Prefecture.
The new facility marks a significant milestone in Mazda’s transition to electrified products. High-quality battery technology produced in Iwakuni will power future electrified vehicles, helping Mazda deliver attractive mobility solutions that meet increasingly stringent global emissions standards.
Mazda will locate the plant at 3915 Minamishirazaki, Tsuzu, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, on a site of approximately 190,000 m². The facility will produce cylindrical lithium-ion battery packs for automotive use, targeting an annual capacity of up to 10 GWh at maximum. By combining Panasonic Energy’s cylindrical cell supply with Mazda’s manufacturing expertise, the Iwakuni Plant will strengthen domestic battery pack production, support the brand’s electrified lineup, and enhance supply resilience for customers in Japan and worldwide.
