While the original, first-generation Tesla Roadster prices are rising higher and higher. Mazda released its first electric car, MX-30, only in 2021. The brand, known for its use of rotary engines, is continuing MX-30 production in 2023 in Europe, after pulling the proverbial plug in the US after having "sold out" the 2022 models. What remains unusual are the small numbers of units that actually left to customer homes in 2021 and 2022, especially towards the end of its sales run. Why was Mazda's first BEV produced in less than 1,000 units? Let's break the numbers down.
Mazda MX-30 EV: A Failure Or A Success?
While Tesla's new Roadster was announced, then delayed many times, Mazda has already delivered its MX-30 battery-electric car - in only 505 units, compared to the original Roadster's figure of approx. 2,450 cars.
The sales started in the fall of 2021, in California. Indeed, 2021 was a successful year for famous Mazda models like the superb MX-5 Miata, but the MX-30 can be called an underperformer, with only 181 units sold.
The second year of sales proved to be even worse. Mazda sold a record number of 101 electric cars in March, barely reaching 3 digits, until sales dropped to a mere 8 units in July 2022, when Mazda discontinued the MX-30.
Perhaps Mazda's first entry into the EV market wasn't quite prepared for the already thriving competition. But this is far from the end: Mazda plans to continue sales of the new MX-30 in spring 2023, though it seems like the vehicle's fatal problem still hasn't been solved.
Why The MX-30 Is Not Up To Standard
The 2022 MX-30 has probably disappointed most potential buyers in more than one regard, but the most apparent issue is seen already on the manufacturer's site: the car's range. Mazda shows on its site an EPA range estimate of about 100 miles, which is not a lot, to put it lightly.
Winter negatively impacts EV range, which isn't helping, despite California having relatively pleasant weather. You can't exactly plan a long-distance trip with the MX-30, because you'll have to recharge its 35.5 kWh battery at least every 100 miles for 36 minutes on a Level 3 and 2 hours 50 minutes on a Level 2 charger (for a 20% to 80% charge) - not convenient.
Another issue is that the EV with one of the shortest battery ranges out there isn't that affordable. When it was new, the MX-30 EV started from $33,470. To put this into perspective, the 2023 Nissan Leaf, an EV by a rival Japanese car brand, has a range of 149-212 miles (depending on the model) and starts at $28,040.
The 2022 MX-30 isn't a powerhouse either. While modern electric and hybrid cars can often beat ICE-powered ones in terms of power, Mazda's FWD 80.9kW electric motor-powered BEV achieves only 143 hp and 200 lb/ft of torque. The car's acceleration is pretty slow, at 8.7 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, and a quarter-mile run of 16.8 seconds, in an age where top-performing electric cars are starting to breach the 2-second limit.
What Makes The 2022 Mazda MX-30 Great
Calling the MX-30 a total failure would be unjustified. Although sales have been unusually poor, and this car has received a lot of criticism, there are still many things to love about it.
The number one aspect that this car excels at is safety, which is extremely important to many. It received the maximum five stars on NHTSA's rating. The Japanese car scored five stars on the frontal crash test, for both the driver and the passenger, five stars on all the side crash tests, and four on the rollover risk test, with a rollover risk of 11.6%.
Some of the safety equipment the MX-30 can be equipped with includes radar cruise control with stop-and-go, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert, lane keep assist, and high beam control.
What captures the hearts of many is the car's exterior, which bears some resemblance to the much higher-selling CX-30, and its simple-looking but cheerful interior with heated front seats, leather steering wheel and shifter, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and heated door mirrors. The car is equipped with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
One could also purchase a premium package for the vehicle, which provided additional perks, like blind spot assist, a 360-degree view monitor, and front parking sensors, as well as a more luxurious interior and multi-tone exterior.
While Mazda's effort to create a modern, environmentally-friendly EV is honorable, the MX-30 didn't have the smoothest start, falling behind its competitors, and we have yet to see how the 2023 model will perform. Still, if you own one, you can at least boast that you own a car rarer than an original Tesla Roadster.