Mazda MX-30 R-EV Adds Rotary Engine for Longer Range
A promise is a promise. Mazda is fixing the biggest shortcoming of its small electric crossover, the MX-30, by adding a range-extending rotary engine.
Sounds simple, but it’s actually more complicated than that. For the new MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV (as it’s officially called), Mazda engineers cut the battery’s size in half, from 35.5 kWh to 17.8 kWh. As a result, zero-emission range drops to 85 km based on the WLTP cycle—likely around 70 km if we were to use North American standards.
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The move was necessary to incorporate the direct-injected rotary engine known an 8C, which displaces a mere 830 cc, and the 50-litre gas tank. The MX-30 R-EV, to be clear, is a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Similar to the late Chevrolet Volt, the combustion engine doesn’t drive the wheels. It simply charges the battery when it’s low or when acceleration requires more juice.
The engine and electric motor are mounted side by side, with the latter now generating 168 hp instead of 143 hp. Peak torque is down from 200 lb-ft. to 192 lb-ft. Since the MX-30 R-EV is 293 lbs heavier than the fully electric variant, 0-100 km/h sprints are just half a second quicker (9.1 seconds).
So, how far can drivers travel with a full battery charge and a full tank of gas? According to the WLTP test cycle, Mazda claims over 640 km can be driven. Once again, that number would be significantly lower in Canada.
In Normal mode, the MX-30 R-EV operates as a regular EV, but the rotary engine will kick in to supply charge directly to the battery or during high-load manoeuvres like sudden acceleration or driving up steep hills. EV mode forces the vehicle to rely on the battery as much as possible, but it will deactivate if the driver presses the throttle far enough. Finally, there's a Charge mode that lets the driver set a battery level for the car to target.
As for charging, Mazda says that 25 minutes are enough to bring the battery from 20-80 percent charge via a DC fast charger. However, it is limited to a rate of 36 kW.
When it comes to styling, the MX-30 R-EV looks very much like the model we already know, except for the rotary-inspired badges and unique wheels. Mazda also created a so-called Edition R for Europe (the one in black in the photo gallery), where it will first go on sale.
Plans for North America have yet to be announced. Just a few days ago, Mazda Canada confirmed the 2023 MX-30 will launch nationwide in the spring, but there was no word about the range-extending variant. By the way, the base MSRP is up $500 to $42,650. Zircon Sand exterior paint and a new black leatherette interior option are available.