MAZDA is pulling the plug on its first and only electric car, criticised during its four-year run for its limited range and cramped cabin.
The MX-30, which made its world debut at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, is a subcompact crossover SUV that offered EV, plug-in hybrid, and mild hybrid variants.
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But now, it’s quietly reached the end of its production lifespan.
Launched in the UK in 2021, the MX-30 was positioned against competitors such as the Kia Soul EV and Peugeot e-2008.
However, it struggled to gain traction, primarily due to its short range and limited practicality.
One of the most significant criticisms of the MX-30 – aside from its bizarre, coach-style doors – was its modest range of just 124 miles, thanks to its 35.5kWh battery.
The smaller battery size, chosen to reduce the car’s weight, certainly improved handling and lowered its CO2 emissions during production.
However, it also resulted in persistent range anxiety among drivers.
Indeed, today, rivals like the Jeep Avenger, Renault 4, and MINI Aceman offer ranges of around 250 miles, highlighting the MX-30’s shortcomings.
WHAT’S NEXT?
While the fully electric MX-30 has been axed, the plug-in hybrid version remains on sale in the UK.
This variant, equipped with a fully charged battery and a full tank of petrol, can cover more than 400 miles, according to Mazda.
What’s more, the brand is set to give electric cars another stab next year with the 6e saloon, which is poised to be in the same segment as the top-selling Tesla Model 3.
A fully electric SUV is also in the pipeline, but the decision to temporarily pluck its only pure electric vehicle in its lineup is bold – particularly in light of the UK Government’s ZEV mandate.
Under the current mandate, at least 28% of manufacturers’ new car sales must be zero-emissions vehicles by 2025, prompting many brands to prioritise EV production.
As reported by Auto Express, a Mazda spokesperson said: “Mazda will meet the requirements of the ZEV/VETS legislation through the various flexibilities within the scheme and the introduction of further BEVs.”
This comes as Sun Motors supremo Rob Gill recently got to road-test the new Mazda 3, featuring a gutsy 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.