EV range is limited to 85 km (WLTP)
Total range is 600 km (WLTP)
There is no word on the NA version yet, but it’s coming.
Mazda is still a small player in the electric segment. Its MX-30 urban crossover may be fun to drive, but its range between charges is far too limited (161 km), especially when compared to equivalent vehicles that give a lot more in that regard.
The new Mazda MX-30 e-SkyActiv R-EV Photo: Mazda
So, Mazda took advantage of its presence at the Brussels Motor Show to unveil its newest version equipped with a range extender. The MX-30 e-SkyActiv R-EV falls into the category of plug-in hybrids since its electric motor is still the only one connected to the front wheels.
However, unlike the pure electric vehicle, the MX-30 plug-in hybrid is based on a smaller battery (17.8 kWh versus 35.5 kWh), which also means that the possible range in electric mode is shorter. In fact, Mazda announces a range of 85 km, which is obtained with the WLTP calculation method, which means that the North American livery will receive an even shorter range, the EPA standards being more severe than those from the Old Continent.
The new Mazda MX-30 e-SkyActiv R-EV Photo: Mazda
On the other hand, the total range of the vehicle is greater than that of the MX-30 currently available in Canadian dealerships. Thanks to its 50-litre fuel tank, the MX-30 e-SkyActiv E-EV is capable of driving 600 km before having to stop to refuel… electric and fossil fuels! Again, these numbers were obtained with the WLTP process.
The new Mazda MX-30 e-SkyActiv R-EV Photo: Mazda
The Wankel engine under the hood delivers 73 horsepower thanks to a displacement of 800 cc (or 0.8-liter), the engine weighing only 15 kg. In total, this new half-petrol, half-electric variant delivers 164 horsepower (compared to 143 hp for the electric version), but the torque is 192 lb-ft, down by 8 compared to the electron-powered version.
Mazda offers three driving modes: Normal, EV and Charge, and can manually set the amount of battery power it wants to keep in reserve. When this level is reached, the thermal block comes on to preserve the energy stored in the battery. Not surprisingly, the MX-30 Plug-In Hybrid can also use the rotary engine when the driver wants more performance, such as during heavy acceleration.
The new Mazda MX-30 e-SkyActiv R-EV Photo: Mazda
At this time, the Mazda MX-30 e-SkyActiv R-EV is intended for the European market, but don’t worry, the manufacturer intends to introduce a similar version for our market. In fact, we can expect the announcement to be made this year. It will be interesting to see what Mazda’s strategy will be for North America, because on the European side, the new PHEV livery will be offered with little or no increase of price over the electric version.
The new Mazda MX-30 e-SkyActiv R-EV Photo: Mazda
