More details have finally been released on the 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV, the Japanese brand’s first battery-electric vehicle in the United States. The most important one is the range and it appears the subcompact crossover will get an EPA rating of 100 miles per charge. That’s on the low end of the spectrum along with the Mini Cooper S E, which is good for 114 miles, and the standard Nissan Leaf that’s rated at 149 miles.
The 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV has a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery mounted flat under the passenger compartment, which is small by modern standards. Its single electric drive motor turns the front wheels and makes 143 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. Using a DC charger, the MX-30 EV can charge at peak rates of 50 kW, allowing it to get the car back to 80 percent in 36 minutes. A level 2 AC charger will get you an 80 percent charge in just under three hours. Those who purchase an MX-30 EV will also get a $500 credit toward public charging or the purchase of a level 2 AC charger made by ChargePoint. Mazda will also include the MX-30 Elite Loaner Access Program for owners who want to go on long road trips. This gives them access to other Mazda vehicles for up to 10 days during the first three years of ownership.
Two trims will be offered on the MX-30 EV. The base model comes well equipped with a long list of standard equipment including the full suite of Mazda’s i-ActivSense driver assistance features. Other standard features include an 8.8-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, and an eight-way power driver’s seat. The base MX-30 EV will set you back a cool $34,645. For those looking for more gadgets, the Premium Plus package adds steering assist, a surround-view camera, leatherette upholstery in Pure White or Vintage Brown. Getting the Premium Plus package increases the MX-30 EV’s price to $37,655 before you add any of the extra-cost colors. Machine Gray Metallic costs $495, Ceramic Metallic and Polymetal Gray costs $895, while Soul Red Crystal will cost you a cool $995.
Regardless of the trim you get, the fabric upholstery used in the interior uses 20 percent recycled threads. The door trims are made of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottled while the door grips are made of cork. You’ll also be able to choose a three-tone exterior featuring a gray roof and silver D-pillar badge. However, this is only offered on Soul Red Crystal, Ceramic Metallic, and Polymetal Gray.
When it goes on sale in Oct., the 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV will only be available in California. Based on initial impressions from the pricing and range, this crossover is more of a city commuter and a compliance vehicle. Mazda has electrified vehicles coming in the future but they’re mainly plug-in hybrids. We’re likely not going to see any new EVs from Mazda for a few years as it develops its version of the e-TNGA platform. A plug-in hybrid MX-30 is due next year with a rotary engine range extender. That will be a series hybrid setup, meaning the electric motor is the only one turning the wheels.
