Mazda Unveils Its Electric MX-30 for the U.S.

Mazda took the wraps off its new Mazda MX-30, the automaker’s first battery-electric vehicle for the U.S. market. The MX-30 arrives in California this fall, and Mazda officials told Autoweek the EV will expand into other states in 2022. The officials also told us the company will “pursue a national roll out over the coming years and additional states will be added based on customer demand.”

First shown at the 2019 Tokyo show, Mazda says the stylish MX-30 will offer “the same signature driving dynamics and thoughtful design expected from Mazda, but through a new electric powertrain.

“Mazda is preparing for the fast-changing U.S. market demands by taking a multi-solution approach to electrification,” said Jeff Guyton, Mazda North American Operations president. “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,” he said. “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.” Mazda has said before that all of its vehicles will have some sort of electrification by 2030.

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The new MX-30 uses an electric motor and a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. The company says the new powertrain as well as enhancements to its Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture are what help the electric crossover provide its stellar driving dynamics. The front-wheel drive electric motor delivers 107 kW (144 hp) and 271 Nm (200 lb-ft) of torque.

Mazda says its MX-30 owners will have multiple charging options 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 percent in about 36 minutes using DC fast charging. Mazda is partnering with ChargePoint, and Mazda said more details on the deal will be shared closer to the vehicles arriving in dealerships.

Mazda says the MX-30’s Kodo design philosophy makes this EV “distinctly a Mazda. Inside and out,” the company says, “the MX-30 emphasizes a new Human Modern concept that combines the appeal of futuristic design with a sense of familiarity. The exterior proportions give the crossover a feeling of strength and beauty, while the minimalist style offers a sense of sophistication similar to other Mazda vehicles. Opening the new freestyle doors provides a unique view and a wide range of possibilities for experiencing the vehicle.”

Mazda says the minimalist design language continues inside with feelings of “lightness and openness.” There’s a driver-focused approach to the interior, laying out the latest tech and controls in a way that Mazda calls “welcoming.”

The company says it prides itself on craftsmanship and blending complex materials, the idea being to develop an elegant interior. The MX-30, for example, has a new floating center console and door grips using cork, among the most highly renewable and eco-friendly resources. Cork also happens to pay homage to Mazda’s origin as a cork manufacturing company more than 100 years ago.

That floating center console has an electronic shifter, a multi-function commander knob, and shortcut buttons for operating the Mazda Connect infotainment system, Mazda says. In front of this layout is a new seven-inch touchscreen displaying the climate control panel. Tactile push buttons on each side of the touchscreen also operate the climate control.

Mazda Connected Services allow users to monitor and control many functions through the MyMazda App, including locking the doors and adjusting the climate control, as well as checking the battery status and charging process through the app.

Mazda said enhanced i-Activsense safety features cover a wider range of safety scenarios and that the company would provide more details closer to the vehicle going on sale. Mazda officials told Autoweek that the price will come closer to fall and that the range will be shared later this year after EPA testing is complete.

For now, we can only hope the MX-30 drives like the Mazdas we love. We’ll know this fall.

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