Mazda’s first EV MX-30 coming to US market in fall 2021; series-hybrid version with rotary engine to follow
14 April 2021
Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) announced the introduction of the all-new Mazda MX-30, the brand’s first battery-electric vehicle that was unveiled at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, to the US market beginning in fall 2021 with California dealerships. The vehicle will mark the first step in Mazda’s multi-solution electrification strategy.
Mazda is preparing for the fast-changing US market demands by taking a multi-solution approach to electrification. The battery-powered MX-30 will begin the introduction of additional electrified models, including a series plug-in hybrid with a rotary generator for MX-30, a plug-in hybrid for our new large platform, and a traditional hybrid for our new American-made crossover. While these powertrains will be optimized for their platforms, Mazda fans can expect great driving dynamics and beautiful design across all models.
The rotary generator will mark the return of our unique rotary powertrain. This technology is being engineered for nearly silent operation and will replenish the battery rather than drive the wheels. As a result, the MX-30 will always drive like the engaging EV that it is, but with freedom to charge from the wall or on the go.
—Jeff Guyton, President of Mazda North American Operations
Mazda’s electrification technology uses an electric motor and a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. This new powertrain along with enhancements to the Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture help the electric crossover provide great driving dynamics. The front-wheel drive electric motor will deliver an output of 107 kW (144 horsepower) and a maximum torque of 271 N·m (200 lb-ft).
MX-30 owners will have multiple options to stay charged, whether at home or traveling around town through access to public Level 2 and DC fast charging solutions. The 35.5 kWh battery can be charged to 80% within approximately 36 minutes using DC fast charging . MNAO will partner with ChargePoint to offer charging solutions for MX-30 owners in the US. Additional details on this partnership will be shared closer to the vehicles arriving in dealerships.
In the MX-30, a new floating center console and the door grips use cork, one of the most highly renewable and eco-friendly resources that also pays homage to Mazda’s origin as a cork manufacturing company more than 100 years ago.
The floating center console features an electronic shifter, a familiar multi-function commander knob, and shortcut buttons that will allow occupants to safely operate the Mazda Connect infotainment system. In front of this layout is a new seven-inch touchscreen that will display the climate control panel.
The touchscreen is flanked on each side by tactile push buttons that also operate the climate control. The electric ownership experience is enhanced with Mazda Connected Services that will allow users to monitor and control the state of the MX-30 remotely through the MyMazda App. This includes locking the doors and adjusting the climate control to checking the battery status and charging process through the app.
Enhanced i-Activsense safety features help cover a wider range of safety scenarios while its high strength body helps protect the space-saving battery and the MX-30’s occupants. Details and availability of these safety features will be shared closer to the launch of this vehicle.
This is a pretty lame entry into the American EV market by an ambivalent manufacturer. 35kWh is so pathetic, and yet they try to dress it up as more eco-friendly than vehicles with a larger battery. "space-saving battery" means too small to be useful compared to a Bolt or the latest-gen LEAF. Almost as poor a phrase as that "self-charging electric vehicle" line touted by Toyota for their hybrids. Truth is this is very uncompetitive with pure-EV products available last year and this won't be anywhere except California until Q4 this year.
Probably just a compliance car that is over compromised, and it's so meh, the sales won't be there, thus they won't get the compliance credits anyway. They'll smugly say to themselves "See, we said there was no demand for EVs". They just don't see the future is coming, because it doesn't look like something they are used too, so they won't be a part of it.
Posted by: Floatplane | 14 April 2021 at 03:06 PM
At the right price, it will be a viable and perhaps attractive option for consumers who only need a local commuter. But it will not bring people to dealer lots in droves, which is the opportunity Mazda missed by being later to market with a “me too” compact CUV entry.
Imagine if this had been a modern EV version of the RX-7 Gen3, the MX-5 or Miata.
The MX-30 will likely compete for the distinction of “biggest MSRP discount” with remaining supplies of VW e-Golf, Ford Focus Electric and Honda Clarity BEV.
200+ mile range would have made it a mainstream transportation option for anyone but road trippers.
Posted by: electric-car-insider.com | 14 April 2021 at 04:02 PM
I like the idea of a 100 mile electric range with a compact and efficient engine to enable additional miles. This would enable nearly all of one's trips to be electric, except for long distances, which are very rare, accounting for less than 1% of all trips (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/pubs/pl08021/). And a wankel engine is relatively small, light, and smooth, and efficient when used as a generator (as would be the case here).
However, like the one other car that fits this "100 miles electric and then gasoline range extender" category, the BMW i3, this car is just awfully packaged. For instance, both cars have rear doors that only open with the front doors open: in the history of time, has any consumer ever said "You know, what I'd really like is the ridiculous inconvenience of having to open the front door in order to open the rear door in order to get into the rear seat." Also like the BMW i3, both vehicles have tiny rear seats and limited rear storage, and yet both have proportionately large hoods to cover -- a motor that takes up a fraction of the space under the hood? At least I'd hope the Mazda to handle well, which cannot be said of the BMW.
I'm still waiting for the following: a RAV4-sized vehicle (which every manufacturer makes) that has 100 miles of electric range, with a small light smooth range extender with a 5-6 gallon tank (I don't care about the why of it, I simply would not abide by the BMW's 2.4 gallon tank), and not a single solitary piece of weirdness anywhere.
Posted by: jzj | 14 April 2021 at 10:51 PM