Mazda Discontinues Electric MX-30 in America, Shifts Focus to PHEVs

The quirky Mazda MX-30 EV is being pulled from the US market after just two model years. Low demand and limited range have led Mazda to cancel the electric SUV. Instead, the automaker will emphasize plug-in hybrids going forward.

Here's an in-depth look at why Mazda is killing off the MX-30 EV:

Highlights

  • Mazda discontinuing MX-30 EV in America after 2023 model year
  • Cites low sales and focus shifting to plug-in hybrids
  • MX-30 had only 100 miles of range, limiting appeal
  • Global MX-30 will continue as a range-extender hybrid
  • Mazda's new strategy centers on CX-90 and CX-70 PHEVs
  • Rotary range-extender hybrid still possible for future

Doomed by Limited Range

The demise of the MX-30 in America stems largely from its compact 32 kWh battery pack. This allowed for only 100 miles of driving range.

For comparison, most rivals offer 200+ miles of range:

  • Nissan Leaf: 149-226 miles
  • Kia Niro EV: 239 miles
  • Volkswagen ID.4: 260 miles

With range anxiety a major concern for EV buyers, the MX-30's limited capacity crippled its appeal. A modest 143 horsepower electric motor further hampered driving dynamics.

MX-30 sales fell far short of expectations:

  • 2021: 181 units
  • 2022: 324 units
  • 2023 (through June): 66 units

Lackluster range meant interest in the MX-30 remained minimal outside of eco-conscious early adopters.

Global MX-30 Adopts Range Extender

While cancelled in America, the MX-30 will live on globally with a novel range extender option.

The MX-30 R-EV couples a small 17.8 kWh battery pack with a rotary engine acting as a generator.

When the battery depletes, the rotary automatically recharges it - extending driving range. This allows about 200 miles of total range.

The rotary range extender is currently only offered overseas, but Mazda may bring it to America in the future. A production decision has not been finalized yet.

Mazda Pivots to Plug-In Hybrids

Rather than pure EVs, Mazda says its focus in America is shifting to plug-in hybrid models.

The freshly launched CX-90 PHEV crossover provides 26 miles of electric driving before its gas engine kicks in.

An upcoming CX-70 PHEV will offer similar capabilities in a smaller package.

For customers not ready to go fully electric, PHEVs offer a compromise with reduced emissions during around-town driving.

What Does This Mean for Mazda EVs?

Mazda still plans to introduce battery electric vehicles in the future. The MX-30 cancellation does not impact those long-term plans.

Expected upcoming Mazda EVs:

  • Subcompact crossover below CX-30
  • Lightweight RWD platform for sporty coupe
  • Next-generation Mazda3 and CX-5 EVs

However, limited demand for the MX-30 prompted Mazda to postpone their first global EV push. Instead, plug-in hybrids will pave the way as customer acceptance grows.

FAQs

Why was the MX-30 discontinued so quickly?

Low sales due to its limited range led Mazda to pull the plug after just two model years.

Does this mean Mazda is giving up on EVs?

No, Mazda says future EVs are still coming, just not in the immediate future. The MX-30 cancellation was specific to that model.

Is the rotary range-extender still coming to America?

Possibly, but Mazda has made no formal decision on bringing the MX-30 hybrid to the US yet.

What PHEV models is Mazda introducing?

The plug-in hybrid CX-90 launched for 2023, followed by the upcoming CX-70 PHEV in 2024.

What will replace the MX-30 in Mazda's lineup?

It's unconfirmed, but Mazda may eventually introduce a fully electric subcompact crossover below the CX-30 model.

The Takeaway

While the quirky MX-30 EV is gone in America, its plug-in hybrid variant continues overseas. For now, Mazda is focused on plug-in hybrids like the CX-90 and CX-70. This allows a gradual transition to electrification based on current customer demand.

But the MX-30 cancellation doesn't alter Mazda's long-term EV strategy. When the market expands further, Mazda will be prepared with improved battery-electric vehicles.

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