Mazda Introduces Battery-Electric MX-30

Mazda introduces the all-new MX-30, the brand’s first battery-electric vehicle, to the U.S. market in fall 2021 with availability at California dealerships.

Based on the CX-30 platform and engineered by Mazda, the MX-30’s new drivetrain uses an electric motor and a 35.5-kWh lithium-ion battery in combination with enhanced Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture. The front-wheel-drive electric motor will deliver 144 hp and maximum torque of 200 lb.-ft. (271 Nm).

The battery can be charged to 80% within about 36 minutes using DC fast charging. Mazda will partner with ChargePoint to offer charging solutions for MX-30 owners in the U.S. More details on this partnership will be released closer to the vehicles’ arrival in dealerships.

Jeff Guyton, president-Mazda North American Operations, says: “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” that will be built in Huntsville, AL, at the assembly plant jointly operated with Toyota.

“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,” Guyton says. “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 says the Japan-built MX-30 emphasizes a new “Human Modern” concept that combines the appeal of futuristic design with a sense of familiarity. The exterior proportions’ minimalist style gives the CUV a feeling of strength, beauty and sophistication, while the interior continues the minimalist design language with feelings of lightness and openness, the automaker says in a news release.

Mazda MX-30_interior

In the MX-30, a new floating center console and the door grips use cork, a highly renewable and eco-friendly resource that also pays homage to Mazda’s origin as a cork manufacturing company more than 100 years ago.

The floating center console (pictured above) features an electronic shifter, a multi-function commander knob, and shortcut buttons that will allow safe operation of the Mazda Connect infotainment system. A 7-in. (18-cm) touchscreen that displays the climate control panel is flanked on each side by tactile push buttons that also operate the climate control.

Mazda Connected Services will allow users to monitor and control the state of the MX-30 remotely through the MyMazda App. This includes locking the doors and adjusting the climate control to checking the battery status and charging process through the app.

Enhanced i-Activsense safety features help cover a wider range of safety scenarios, while its high-strength body helps protect both occupants and the MX-30’s space-saving battery. Mazda will release details and availability of these safety features closer to the BEV’s launch.

Mazda MX-30_rear 3-4