In an era where nearly every automaker is racing to electrify their fleets and governments are setting deadlines to phase out internal combustion engines, one company is charting a wildly different course — and it might just blow the doors off the EV industry as we know it.

Mazda Motor Corporation, the storied Japanese automaker known for doing things its own way, has announced what many thought was unthinkable: not only are they reviving the iconic rotary engine, but they claim to have reengineered it so radically that it could pose a serious threat to the electric vehicle (EV) industry’s meteoric rise.

In a bold statement that has sent shockwaves through the automotive world, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro recently declared, “Our new rotary engine will destroy the electric vehicle industry.” It’s a provocative claim in a time when companies like Tesla, Ford, and Volkswagen are pouring billions into battery technology and electrification infrastructure.

So what exactly is Mazda cooking up — and could this audacious move actually turn the tide against EV dominance?

The Return of a Legend, Reimagined

For decades, the rotary engine — also known as the Wankel engine — held a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts. Lightweight, high-revving, and capable of producing impressive power from a small displacement, it made cars like the Mazda RX-7 and RX-8 cult favorites. But due to reliability issues, poor fuel economy, and tightening emissions regulations, the rotary fell out of favor in the early 2010s.

Now, Mazda says it’s solved those problems. According to early reports from company insiders and patent filings, the new-generation rotary engine will be cleaner, more compact, and dramatically more efficient than its predecessors. In fact, Mazda claims it will rival — and in some cases outperform — electric motors in terms of power-to-weight ratio and driving excitement.

In a world increasingly dominated by silent, sterile EVs, Mazda believes there’s still a market for visceral, analog driving experiences — and that their new rotary powertrain could deliver exactly that, while meeting modern emissions standards.

How Does It Work?

Details remain closely guarded, but here’s what we know so far:

The engine will use advanced hydrogen fuel integration, synthetic fuels, and possibly biofuels to drastically reduce carbon emissions while retaining the character of internal combustion.

It will be lighter and smaller than comparable EV battery packs and electric motors, potentially restoring agility and performance to lightweight sports cars and compact SUVs.

The rotary’s unique design allows it to produce high RPMs and consistent torque in a compact form, and Mazda claims their engineers have finally conquered the historical weaknesses around apex seal durability and oil consumption.

If true, this could be a game-changer for segments of the automotive market that have struggled with the weight and range limitations of current EV technology.

Can It Really “Destroy” the EV Industry?

The claim, while attention-grabbing, may be more metaphorical than literal. No single innovation is likely to upend the multi-trillion-dollar global EV movement overnight. However, Mazda’s gamble could disrupt key niches where EVs haven’t yet conquered: affordable performance cars, long-distance touring vehicles, and markets lacking reliable EV infrastructure.

Moreover, if Mazda’s new rotary proves successful, it might inspire other automakers to revisit alternative combustion technologies rather than committing fully to battery electrics — especially in light of growing concerns around battery material shortages, slow charging infrastructure rollouts, and questions over EV lifespan sustainability.

Already, rumors are swirling that Toyota and Subaru are monitoring Mazda’s progress closely, and may even be collaborating on future rotary-based projects.

The Industry Reacts

Not surprisingly, the response from the EV establishment has been dismissive. A Tesla spokesperson reportedly laughed off the announcement, calling it “another desperate ICE gimmick clinging to a dying era.” Industry analysts, however, aren’t so quick to scoff.

“If Mazda can deliver what they’re promising — a clean, reliable, high-performance rotary that competes with EV efficiency — it could seriously complicate the industry narrative,” said automotive consultant Takumi Ishida.

With prototype vehicles already in testing and a public unveiling rumored for late 2025, all eyes will be on Mazda in the coming months.

The Bottom Line

In a world rushing headlong toward electrification, Mazda is daring to ask: what if we don’t have to give up internal combustion to achieve sustainability? Whether their new rotary engine lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain — Mazda just made the automotive conversation a lot more interesting.

If their CEO’s prophecy comes true, the EV industry may soon have a powerful new competitor it never saw coming.