There’s a lot of promising electric vehicles set to grace local dealerships throughout the next few years with respectable range and performance numbers. However, there are also a few that tend to be perplexing due to their discouraging numbers on paper, such as the coming Mazda MX-30 EV, which touts a short driving range of just 100 miles.
To add insult to injury, the new Mazda MX-30 EV not only has a relatively short electric driving range, but it has just 143 horsepower from its front axle-mounted electric motor. What is probably even more discerning is the starting price of the short range but attractive small EV crossover at $34,645 before any fees, destination charges, or discounts. Even though the price of the MX-30 EV is low in comparison to many other newly-announced EVs, it’s still a bit much for having a short 100-mile range with a full charge. Even the Nissan Leaf with a price just under $30K had a range of at least 149 miles and the Chevy Bolt gets 259 miles at a starting price of $31,995.
Where the Mazda MX-30 EV looks to be promising, is in the looks department despite its sub-compact size. Mazda has been known in the past several years for having some good-looking vehicles that stand out in the mainstream segments and add a near-luxurious appeal without the luxury tax. Here, the MX-30 EV seems to fit the expected premium mold and even more so in the upper Premium Plus trim level that adds a 360-degree camera system, premium audio system, specialized paint colors, and other welcomed luxury-themed amenities. There’s also the earth-friendly use of natural and sustainable material throughout the interior, such as cork and breathable fabric upholstery made from recycled plastic bottles. California is sure to like this one! A 7-inch digital gauge cluster and an 8.8-inch infotainment screen with a lower touchscreen will handle the interactive duties along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The suicide doors are also a nice touch.
Other aspects that may keep the MX-30 EV relevant is the idea of Mazda offering a plug-in hybrid version that utilizes a rotary engine in conjunction with the electric motor and the possibility that they may add all-wheel-drive. The smallish 32-kWh battery pack may still be used in the plug-in hybrid version, which may naturally expand the range greatly through the help of the gas-burning rotary engine.
There are several standard active safety features to round up the bevy of equipment to help justify the MX-30 EV’s price, such as automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
A $500 charging credit for ChargePoint is a benefit of purchasing a new Mazda MX-30 EV, which can be applied to public charging stations or the installation of a home charging station. Additionally, Mazda will include a loaner program for MX-30 buyers that allows them to borrow a gas-powered Mazda from a local dealership for up to 10 days per year during the first three years of ownership.
Having several unique benefits for ownership of the upcoming Mazda MX-30 EV sounds great. However, considering the short driving range, power output, and pricing, we’re not so sure this is a new EV that will do much shaking up to the forthcoming EV automotive market.
The 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV will go on sale in October of this year in California and potentially on sale in other markets in the months thereafter.
Malcolm Hogan is the founder and editor of Automotive Addicts, a trusted voice in the automotive media world for over two decades. With 20+ years of hands-on experience covering the industry, Malcolm has built a reputation for delivering honest reviews, sharp insights, and in-depth coverage of everything from new car debuts to high-performance test drives. Passionate about the evolving car culture and staying ahead of the curve, Malcolm continues to lead Automotive Addicts as a go-to destination for enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
