This electric Mazda incorporates a “generator” to recharge the battery

Mazda has just unveiled a new version of its MX-30 with a brand new range extender which now allows it to claim around 600 km of range. But does that still make it a real electric car?

Presented in 2020, the Mazda MX-30 does not necessarily have happy days in the ruthless world of the electric car. The reasons are many, but the main one and certainly the one that is a hindrance for the majority of buyers, it’s his autonomy.

Indeed, the 100% electric Mazda MX-30 is equipped with a “small battery” with a capacity of 35.5 kWh giving it a range of 200 km on the WLTP mixed cycle. It’s really very little for a car all the same intended to make longer journeys than the average, given its size. By way of comparison, a Mini Cooper SE does slightly better with a battery of roughly the same capacity, while its use is primarily intended for urban areas.

Mazda had to correct the situation, and the “simplest” solution was to add a range extender. The Japanese manufacturer is therefore presenting the Mazda MX-30 R-EV at the Brussels Motor Show, a model which now claims a maximum range of 600 km. It is a rare solution (but not new because already seen on the BMW i3) which combines the qualities of an electric car with the “practical” side of a combustion engine. But can we still say that it is an electric car?

How does it work ?

Despite the presence of two motors (thermal and electric), the power is transmitted only by the electric motor. Which therefore makes it an electric car and not a classic hybrid car. The motor can be powered by the battery or directly by the rotary motor, which acts as a generator. Vibration and noise are reduced to a minimum, while the benefits of the electric motor are retained, with torque immediately available.

The system is overall quite similar to that of the Nissan Qashqai e-Power and delivers a total of 170 hp (74 hp comes from the 830 cc combustion engine alone³) and 260 Nm, with an electric range of 85 km in the WLTP cycle (110 km in town).

Thanks to the intervention of the combustion engine and the 50-litre petrol tank, Mazda indicates that the MX-30 can cover up to 600 km, with a declared consumption of 1 l/100 km and CO emissions₂ 21 g/km. By combining the two engines, the maximum speed is limited to 140 km/hwhile 0 to 100 km/h is 9.1 secondsor six tenths less than the 100% electric version and which gives it 35 hp.

The 17.8 kWh battery (instead of 35.5 kWh on the real electric version) can be recharged to 100% in 1h40 hours by connecting to an 11 kW Wallbox, while a “fast” charge of a power of 36 kW will make it possible to go from 20 to 80% in 25 minutes. The MX-30 can also power external equipment with a 1.5 kW V2L socket via a socket located in the trunk.

In 100% electric mode, without using the internal combustion engine, the range increases to 85 km. That is a huge consumption of 21 kWh / 100 km.

No ecological bonus

There are three drive modes: Normal, EV and Recharge. The former mainly uses the electric motor, but if more power is needed, the rotary motor comes into play.

The second uses only the energy produced by the battery until it is discharged. However, if the accelerator is pressed hard, the car also activates the rotary engine to use all the available power.

Finally, the Recharge mode allows you to save battery power, for example to travel in urban areas or to power electrical devices when the car is stationary. The heat engine is then only used to recharge the battery.

Aesthetically, the MX-30 R-EV can be recognized by certain details, such as the specific badge on the tailgate, the rotary engine emblem on the front wheel arches and the design of the 18-inch alloy wheels. Prices start from €38,250 and range up to €45,450 for the higher end version.

And do not discount an ecological bonus for this model, since it is not strictly speaking considered an electric car. The first models will arrive in Mazda dealerships in April 2023.

Hybrid and electric cars: the differences, advantages and disadvantages

Are you planning to change your car soon and you no longer know where to start between hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric cars? We will enlighten you.
Read more