Reviews for Mazda's First Electric Vehicle Are Coming In
The all-electric Mazda MX-30 has received heavy criticism due to its weak battery, and some question if it can compete with other EVs.
Written by Serena Aburahma
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
In terms of car history, the 2020s will be remembered as the era when carmakers made the transition to
electric vehicles
. With anticipated regulations and concerns over climate change, nearly every car company has big plans to jump into the emerging EV market. However, some companies have stumbled out of the gates with their EV debut. Specifically, the Mazda MX-30 has left many car critics disappointed. We've been following the
progress of the Mazda MX-30
for some time, and we too will probably join the chorus of criticism. But before we get into the not-so-hot features, let's start out with the positives of the Mazda MX-30.
What's good about the Mazda MX-30?
The interior of the Mazda MX-30 is quite stunning for a vehicle at this price point. It's easy to see that Mazda designers had ergonomics in mind, as the front row seats feel quite comfortable. The cloth of the MX-30 is made from recycled materials, providing an added benefit for the eco-conscious driver. To top it all off, an accented cork trim gives the MX-30 a truly unique cabin.
The exterior appearance has split car critics. Some would appreciate that it offers excellent social camouflage, while others say it looks too bland. In any case, drivers of the Mazda MX-30 will never be accused of driving a flashy car.
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The Mazda MX-30 has a terrible battery
While aesthetics are a matter of taste, power is a matter of figures. And the Mazda MX-30 has some serious issues on the battery front.
The car carries a 35.5-kWh battery which only provides a 100-mile drive range, per
MotorTrend
. For most American drivers, a 100-mile range isn't practical. At least drivers can enjoy comfortable seats while they wait for their car to charge. In response to the car's weak range, Mazda said it wasn't their intention to build a battery on wheels. That's a fair enough point, but it will have a hard time competing with other EVs.
The 2022 Chevy Bolt can carry you for 259 miles, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E has a starting range of 211 miles. Mazda will have a difficult time, if not impossible, in trying to persuade drivers to buy a car with an inferior battery.
The bigger picture
The Mazda MX-30 raises some questions. Why even produce a car with such a weak range? There could be several answers, with the first being that the MX-30 is nothing more than a compliance car. That is a cynical assumption, and we want to at least give Mazda the benefit of the doubt.
It is entirely possible that the 2022 Mazda MX-30 will really just be a jumping-off point to become a plug-in hybrid.
While a 100-mile range is terrible for a fully electric vehicle, it's not too shabby for a plug-in hybrid. With such a small battery, it will be easier for Mazda to add the components needed to make the MX-30 a fantastic hybrid.
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