Mazda Unveils Its First Electric Vehicle

Every automaker is working on electric cars, even brands like Mazda, which doesn’t even have a hybrid in its lineup. In a step that reveals just how serious Mazda is about the electric future, the Japanese automaker revealed its first EV called the MX-30 at the Tokyo Auto Show.

Similar to a lot of modern crossovers, the MX-30 has a coupe-like rear end with a heavily raked hood line at the back. The overall design of the crossover is one that looks similar to the current CX-5, but edgier – almost like the gasoline model’s gone rogue. The body hides two small suicide doors for easier egress and ingress for rear-seat passengers. It’s the first time Mazda’s put the abnormal four-door configuration, which the brand calls “Freestyle doors,” on a vehicle since the RX-8 sports car.

Besides talking about the MX-30’s design, Mazda didn’t provide a lot of information on the swoopy crossover’s powertrain. All Mazda has said is that the MX-30 comes with a 35.5- kWh lithium-ion battery pack. AutoCar reports that the electric crossover will have one electric motor that’s good for roughly 140 hp. The outlet also claims that range will be around 130 miles. Again, Mazda hasn’t provided official specifications on the MX-30’s powertrain and the outlet doesn’t have any citations for its claims.

In terms of charging, Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast-charging are all available. The electric crossover will also come with regenerative braking to help gain a few miles back during a drive.

Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control (GVC) system has been updated to account for the MX-30's electric chassis and now has a new name: e-GVC Plus. The new system is meant to help curb side-to-side movements and a smoother front-to-rear load shift under power. The e-GVC Plus system is all about helping the MX-30 feel like a regular crossover.

In addition to being Mazda’s first EV, the MX-30 will also help the Japanese brand introduce some new technology. The EV will come with an upgraded version of Mazda’s i-Activsense system that now comes with a new Turn-Across Traffic function, emergency lane keeping assist, and blind spot assist.

The Turn-Across Traffic feature works when the vehicle detects that it’s turning left at an intersection and monitors oncoming traffic via a forward-sensing camera and radar sensors for an impending collision. If the system detects an accident is about to occur, it will automatically apply the brakes. Emergency lane keeping assist will automatically keep the vehicle in its current lane if it senses the car start to drift. Blind spot assist will stop the driver from switching lanes if a vehicle is directly next to the car or if it senses that another car is approaching from the rear.

The interior of the MX-30 also comes with new tech. A 7-inch touchscreen in the center console provides different graphics based on the time of day and the temperature to, according to Mazda, “get the driver in the mood for driving.” While that’s an interesting feature, Mazda’s also replaced traditional dials and buttons for the HVAC system with another 7-inch touchscreen. There’s a new shifter layout, too, with P now offset to the left side of the pattern.

As usual, Mazda’s put a lot of effort into ensuring the MX-30 has an upscale interior design. The crossover has a floating console and environmentally friendly materials, like cork from cork bottle stoppers and fabric seats from recycled plastic bottles.

Based on the little that we know about the MX-30, we’re excited about Mazda’s first EV. If the brand manages to keep pricing down and come out with a range that’s in the 200-mile ballpark, the crossover could be a promising option. European consumers can pre-order the vehicle at the time of writing with deliveries set to begin sometime next year. Japanese consumers will get the vehicle shortly after. Mazda hasn’t confirmed whether the MX-30 will be available in the U.S., but we don’t see why it wouldn’t.

Explore Mazda's Lineup »