That's ICE-thinking where more powerful engines tend to be inherently less efficient for the application. A 5.0L V8 takes more power to spin the engine. It weighs a lot more. It requires a heaver transmission, etc. So having the ability to go very fast costs a lot in terms of efficiency.
Electric doesn't work that way. A more powerful electric motor has a very similar efficiency to weaker one. It might be marginally heavier, but the weight impact is nothing compared to ICE. Having more available torque has almost no impact on efficiency / range.
What does have an impact, which applies to both ICE and electric, is how the driver chooses to drive. When given the opportunity to use more power, the driver may choose to do so. However, then the question becomes: Should you sell what buyer's want?
I think the main issue is a fast EV would make Mazda's ICE cars feel slow. When customers can't afford the EV, and are disappointed with the cars they can afford, Mazda is afraid they'll walk off the lot. By keeping the cars more similar they can make the ICE cars seem better.
That's ICE-thinking where more powerful engines tend to be inherently less efficient for the application. A 5.0L V8 takes more power to spin the engine. It weighs a lot more. It requires a heaver transmission, etc. So having the ability to go very fast costs a lot in terms of efficiency.
Electric doesn't work that way. A more powerful electric motor has a very similar efficiency to weaker one. It might be marginally heavier, but the weight impact is nothing compared to ICE. Having more available torque has almost no impact on efficiency / range.
What does have an impact, which applies to both ICE and electric, is how the driver chooses to drive. When given the opportunity to use more power, the driver may choose to do so. However, then the question becomes: Should you sell what buyer's want?
I think the main issue is a fast EV would make Mazda's ICE cars feel slow. When customers can't afford the EV, and are disappointed with the cars they can afford, Mazda is afraid they'll walk off the lot. By keeping the cars more similar they can make the ICE cars seem better.