mazda MX-30 electric: smaller battery, range and environmental impact

the mazda MX-30 makes a point that EVs are not all about the magic range number. instead, the japanese automotive manufacturer’s first-ever all-electric production vehicle looks to electrify both its famed kodo design philosophy and ‘jinbai ittai – car and driver as one’ driving performance. the compact SUV only offers a 125 mile range per full charge, but hold on, open the freestyle carriage-like doors, take a seat in the comfortable cabin made from recycled plastics and cork, and stay for the ride…

all images courtesy of mazda

with a max of 125 miles per charge, there’s a reason for the comparatively low mileage for the mazda MX-30. its smaller battery size is crucial to reducing CO2 emissions and environmental impact over the entire life-cycle, from extraction of raw materials to disposal. mazda ran the numbers, calculating that 35.5 kWh lithium-ion batteries balance the best peace of mind for driving range and eco-friendliness. type 2 AC and DC rapid charging re-energizes the battery from 20-80% in around 35 minutes, which makes daily journeys easy and comfy. longer, outer-city travel need routes planned in advance though.

the smaller battery also keeps the overall vehicle weight as low as possible for light handling and agility. this is just one of the ways mazda electrifies its renowned ‘jinbai ittai – car and driver as one’ ethos. unlike other EVs, the SUV does not focus on a zippy performance. its skyactiv-vehicle architecture, together with the e-skyactiv drivetrain, delivers smooth power instead. throttle pedal transitions are seamless, as is the gradual regeneration when braking to conserve power. paddle shifters increase or decrease energy recuperation with five selectable settings, although a one-pedal-driving mode – a normality in other EVs – would be more aggressive and advantageous for the driver here.

from performance to style, the EV feels and looks as a mazda should. with the brand’s kodo design philosophy – a visual expression of the soul of motion – the SUV’s body appears as a pure, solid shape devoid of unnecessary elements. only the signature LED headlights and rear lights interrupt. its simple yet stylish aesthetic is accentuated in its three-tone soul red crystal metallic paint, also available in a special ceramic metallic option or five standard colors. a brilliant black roof and metallic dark gray upper side panels strikingly contrast, hinting to the spaciousness inside.

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the cabin opens up with pillar-less freestyle doors, where the rear set bares backwards as if a carriage. the novelty does create a more memorable welcome and affords more space for passengers to maneuver in and out. however, the freestyle doors mean rear passengers must open both front and back sets to enter or exit, and one cannot close without the other.

the light, modern cabin pairs high quality materials with sustainability. fibers made from recycled plastic bottles line the door trim, and distinctive light gray cloth, stone leatherette and orange stitching adorn the seats. the floating center console sits independently from the dashboard, creating handy storage space below and behind. cork-lined trays and inner side door handles nod to mazda’s foundation as the toyo kogyo cork company in 1920. the material is a mixture of bark harvested without felling trees and, again, recycled plastic. the slim dashboard screen displays the reversing camera, connected systems and navigation. the lattermost does not actively recommend charging stations on preselected routes, which if one dares to go beyond the city limit, is a must with 125 mile range of the mazda MX-30.