continues to impress with its portfolio of sweet rides. From the MX-5 Miata to the CX-50, there’s a Mazda for just about everyone. But not all Mazda models have received critical acclaim. The Mazda MX-30, for example, earns chuckles instead of praise, despite being the automaker’s first fully electrified model.
So what is Mazda’s first dedicated electric vehicle? And what does MX-30 actually mean? We will share some history and information behind the name, its meaning and the EV itself.
he had good intentions. Mazda shared the announcement of its arrival in a 2019 press release, excitedly unveiling its first mass-produced electric vehicle at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. And it served as the automaker’s third official next-generation model.
At first glance, the MX-30 shared most of the bones of the CX-30 compact SUV. However, under the hood, instead of the zoom-zoom-inspired turbocharged engine, is an electric motor. An 80.9 kilowatt electric motor powers the front-wheel drive electric vehicle.
Unfortunately, the Mazda MX-30’s electric power doesn’t pack the punch you’d expect from the automaker. With the 33.5 kWh battery, the MX-30 puts out just 143 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. This is the least powerful Mazda in the lineup, which is what inspired the poor consumer response and even some ridicule upon its initial release.
What does the name MX-30 mean
If you, you know that the automaker is very intentional about every vehicle it produces, even the MX-30. And it was in line with other “MX” model names as well. shared early conceptual speculation that the MX-30 was a reference to the MX-3.
revealed that MX stands for “Mazda Experimental Project”, with emphasis on the “X”. Each set of numbers then represents the linear and exact design number for the model.
Thus, the MX-30 lines up with others such as , which represents its size and class, the CX-5, which stands for “Crossover Experimental Project Number 5” and the RX-7, which stands for “Rotary Experimental Project Number 7.”
Mazda said the MX-30’s smaller battery pack was also intentional. Citing that most driving distances are shorter, 30 miles or less per day, the more efficient and environmentally friendly battery has been considered as much as electrification of the model.
It seems Mazda has gone to great lengths to create the most environmentally friendly vehicle, from the smallest battery and low power output to the high-quality sustainable materials in the cabin.
The latest news and current status of the Mazda MX-30
Mazda claims the MX-30 is perfect for “typical American” driving, offering about 100 miles on a full charge. It’s quite a ride in terms of comfort and convenience, but arguably more of a placeholder EV model.
Speculations are that Mazda intends the MX-30 to be its California vehicle for now, while a better and more impressive EV lineup is in the works. Due to stricter California regulations, the MX-30 is an ideal fit to sell there. And that only reinforces how intentional Mazda may have been with this sometimes derided model introduction.
The Mazda MX-30 may not be the most impressive model in the portfolio. And despite the sneers upon its initial release, it appears to serve a valuable purpose. It’s the automaker’s first official dedicated EV, and likely the first of many to come. the guff for now. And if you’re in California, the MX-30 might be the perfect EV for you.
