Today the automotive industry has witnessed a colossal change, particularly in the last decade, and much emphasis is given to sustainability and low carbon emissions. Electric vehicles (EVs) are probably leading the revolution, and many automotive companies have entered into developing electric and/or hybrid cars.
Mazda, a company that has been in the market since, has unveiled the new Mazda MX-30, which was first released with a battery-electric powertrain. However, it seems that more recent developments show that Mazda has made the unfortunate call to cease production of the battery-electric variant of the MX-30. In this article, we are going to review the purpose of this decision and the further direction of this much-loved model.
Table of Contents
Background on the Mazda MX-30
Thus, looking back at the Mazda MX-30 before discussing the news on the battery-electric version of the car. The MX-30 is a compact crossover; it was introduced at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show conference. With new technology and its futuristic concept, it will appeal to a young audience that seeks a sleek and environmentally friendly car. MX-30 has RWD, which is unusual for Mazda cars; under the hood, it’s equipped with a 24.5 kWh battery capable of providing up to 100 miles of range. But it was the MX-30’s derivative of the battery-electric version that caused stirs and admiration from critics and car enthusiasts.
Why Mazda Quit Making the Battery-Electric Variant
There are factors that can be attributed to stopping the production of the battery-electric version of the Mazda MX-30. Firstly, the range of the MX-30 is lower than that of the key market entrants, such as the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf – with ranges of 350 and 226 miles, respectively. Still, the MX-30 might be comfortable for environmentally friendly drivers as the car emits little CO2, but the lack of range could be problematic for buyers who have to travel long distances for work or to visit friends and relatives.
Another reason behind Mazda’s decision is the company’s interest in innovation that would allow the production of electric cars to be more efficient and cost-effective. It was with future models that Mazda said it would use a rotary engine generator together with a battery to provide the MX-30 with an electrical range extender. The so-called range extender (RE) version of the electric vehicle enables using an onboard gasoline generator to recharge the battery when it depletes, thereby leaving out range anxiety altogether. It features a semblance of both an electric and a conventional combustible engine car.
Furthermore, the Mazda decision may be due to the increasing prevalence and accessibility of such PHEV variants in the market. Such vehicles, including the CX-60 PHEV, have the features that are most attractive to consumers: an electric driving range as well as a gasoline engine when required. Because of the increased number of PHEV models, Mazda could have concentrated on improving the efficiency of this plug-in hybrid system rather than the battery electric technology.
Personal Opinion
At the same time, let me admit that I am certain the reasons for Mazda ceasing further production of a battery-electric version of the MX-30 are quite reasonable; I confess that I am somewhat disappointed. It needed to be mentioned that the MX-30 may indeed become an evolutionary revolution in the segment of electric cars. However, the limited scope of the destination might have played a decisive role and kept many potential customers away.
However, I am looking forward to the range-extender version that Mazda is working on at the moment. The range extender combines the efficiency and emission-free battery electric vehicle technology with the range and refueling flexibility of a gasoline-powered generator. While advancing on that, I think that Mazda can put up a fight against the best PHEV producers worldwide and encourage more clients to pick eco-friendly vehicles.
FAQ
- What led Mazda to cancel the battery-electric version of the MX-30?
The latter reason was the range which is shorter than rivals, the development of the more effective range-extender version, and increasing interest in the plug-in hybrids. - Is the MX-30 still on sale?
Yes, it is still on the market, albeit only in fully electric form with an onboard small generator in the form of the range extender. - How does the range-extender version of the MX-30 work?
The MX-30 range-extender model features a 24.5 kWh battery and an electric motor. The battery part recharges when the battery is exhausted, and a small gas generator assists the driver to proceed with the journey without recharging. - Might Mazda produce electric or hybrid cars in the future?
Based on the identified strategic directions, the primary field of interest for Mazda will be improving the PHEV technology and further considering the other electrified powertrains. However, it is not clear if they will extend the effort towards developing strictly electric vehicles.
End Note
Thus, although Mazda’s decision to cease production of the battery-electric version of the MX-30 is quite comprehensible, it does not mean that the company is not dedicated to sustainable development. Therefore, the creation of a range-extender version and further insistence on PHEV technology allow Mazda to enter the market of environmentally friendly vehicles. If and when customers develop this sensitivity, Mazda’s hybrid/electric vehicle strategy could just be the winning one for the long term.
