2022 Mazda MX-30 EV arrives in the US with only 100 miles of range

The MX-30 has been available in some parts of the world for over a year, but it’s only now Mazda is introducing the fully electric crossover in the United States. Initially only available in California starting this fall, the company’s first mass-produced EV is going to cost $33,470 and for your money’s worth, you’ll be getting a free charging credit worth $500. It can be spent at ChargePoint’s charging stations or toward the purchase of an in-home ChargePoint Level 2 charger.

Even though it’s the second half of 2021 and range anxiety is becoming less and less of an issue with EVs, it is still a real concern for those looking to purchase an MX-30. Mazda says it will do only 100 miles (161 kilometers) between charges with a full battery based on the EPA estimation, which is less than ideal for a premium electric crossover.

It uses a 35.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged to 80% in about 36 minutes if you’re utilizing a DC 50 kW fast charger. The same task takes two hours and 50 minutes with an AC 240V / 30 amps charger and 13 hours and 40 minutes with an AC 120V / 15 amps charger. The battery is backed by an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty, and Mazda will throw in three years of free access to remotely check the state of the battery by using the MyMazda app. The software also enables remote start/stop charging as well as remote lock/unlock doors and accessing the climate control settings.

The single electric motor sends 143 horsepower (107 kilowatts) and 200 pound-feet (271 Newton-meters) to the front wheels, which should be more than adequate for city use. Power is not the real issue here as the limited range will make the MX-30 a tough sell, although Mazda has promised a range-extending EV with a gasoline-fueled rotary engine that will solve the range anxiety problem.

Those looking for a better-equipped variant can spend $36,480 for the MX-30 equipped with the Premium Plus Package. It bundles the i-Activsense safety features with a 12-speaker Bose sound system, heated steering wheel, 360-degree camera, and keyless entry. Optional colors can cost as much as $995 as it’s the case of Mazda’s gorgeous Soul Red Crystal.

Interestingly, MX-30 owners will be given access to what the company refers to as the Mazda MX-30 Elite Access Loaner Program. Customers will be allowed to get behind the wheel of any other Mazda for up to 10 days per year during the first three years of ownership.

Source: Mazda