Mazda starts production of the MX-30 EV

On 19 May 2020, Mazda began production of the all new Mazda MX-30, the company's first all-electric vehicle, at Ujina plant No. 1 in Hiroshima, Japan.

The new MX-30 is equipped with e-Skyactiv, Mazda's new electric drive technology.

The front-wheel-drive powertrain combines a 143bhp AC synchronous electric motor with a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery, equipping the new SUV with a driving range of approximately 200km under the combined Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure.

Sized to provide the optimum balance between a driving range which gives customers peace of mind, and reduced CO₂ emissions from a Life-Cycle Assessment perspective, the system battery can be charged to 80% within approximately 40 minutes using DC rapid charging.

The MX-30's Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture has been specifically tailored to complement the vehicle's inherently smooth all-electric driving behaviour. In combination with the new SUV's comprehensive i-Activsense safety systems, it offers customers a uniquely quiet, seamless driving experience which was a critical brief for the engineers - the EV has to be as great to drive as every other Mazda car.

The latest expression of Mazda's award-winning Kodo design philosophy reinforces this new direction for Mazda in powertrain technology development. Its uncompromisingly simple styling emphasises the MX-30s beauty as a solid mass, while centre-pillarless freestyle doors and a framed glasshouse hint at the open, spacious feeling of the cabin.

The ergonomically excellent interior features a driver-centric cockpit, a floating centre console, Mazda's first seven-inch touchscreen air-conditioning panel, and a range of new, environmentally friendly materials such as cork and door trim fabric incorporating fibres from recycled plastic bottles.

The three-tone design further marks out the MX-30's unique styling with a brilliant black roof and metallic grey upper side panels to contrast the Soul Red Crystal or Ceramic Metallic main body colour.

Inside, the First Edition features a light and modern cabin ambiance with light grey cloth and stone leatherette combined with orange seat stitching. Standard interior equipment includes a windscreen projecting head-up display, eight-way electric adjustable drivers' seat, a colour 7.0-inch TFT dial display, a leather wrapped steering wheel and chrome trim accents. As expected the MX-30 First Edition comes with Mazda Connect, navigation, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the technology tally also includes Mazda Radar Cruise control and a driver's knee airbag.

Customers ordering a Mazda MX-30 First Edition in the U.K. will also qualify for a free wall box home charger subject to terms and conditions, while the car is equipped with both a Type 2 mode 2 charge cable for 3-pin plug charging and a Type 2 mode 3 charge cable for AC charging via home or public charge points.

Additionally, the DC socket allows for rapid charging up to 50kW. In this charge mode a charging time of 30 to 40 minutes can deliver up to 80% battery charge.

Staying true to the 'Jinbai Ittai - car and driver as one' ethos found across Mazda's combustion engine range, the Mazda MX-30 has been designed to deliver the intuitive responses, natural feedback and involving handling you'd expect of a Mazda.

Electric G-Vectoring Control Plus enhances chassis performance by using motor torque to optimise the front-rear load shift for improved stability and the MX-30's Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture is specifically tailored to compliment the smooth power delivery of the e-Skyactiv drivetrain. The dynamic focus also extends to a throttle pedal that delivers a seamless transition between linear power delivery and smooth regeneration on lift off, equally, the braking system offers a seamless transfer between energy regeneration and hydraulic brake action.