The new Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is a truly special car. For many reasons. Firstly, it is because of the technological daring that Mazda demonstrates once again. That is, the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is a plug-in hybrid, but different from other manufacturers. Mazda always tries to go one step further, go a little further. In this way, the technology used by the Japanese manufacturer allows you to enjoy an extremely efficient car, with great 100% electric autonomy, but with the peace of mind of not depending exclusively on electricity to continue driving.
It is distinguished from the electric MX-30, its range brother, by the wheels and the e-Skyactiv-EV anagrams. And, as a curiosity, the rear doors open backwards to leave a wide and comfortable access space as there is no central pillar. But how does the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV work? First we must explain that this is a plug-in hybrid in series, not in parallel. This means, and this is the big difference, that the car always moves in electric mode. In other words, the wheels are only driven by the electric motor. And the gasoline engine works or is connected to charge the car battery, but in no case does it work to move the wheels.
We already know, then, that this PHEV (plug-in hybrid) always works on electricity. And we won't have to worry about autonomy. Thus, in all driving circumstances, the electric motor is what drives the wheels, which allows driving without emissions and lower fuel consumption, making the vehicle very easy to drive, smooth and progressive in daily use. .
The mechanical assembly of the MX-30 R-EV is made up of a 170 HP electric motor. Added to this engine is a rotary engine, Mazda's great contribution, which acts as a generator. In addition, it incorporates a 17.8 kWh capacity battery, which gives it a 100% electric range of between 85 km and 110 km, depending on the use we make of the vehicle or the driving style.
If we add to this the 50-liter fuel tank, a total autonomy is achieved, in WLTP approval, of up to 680 km, before needing to recharge the battery and refill the fuel tank. This makes the Mazda MX-30 R-EV suitable for long trips without worrying about the classic autonomy in an electric vehicle and being able to make trips without the need to use public charging points.
And the performance is really good, since it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds (faster than the electric MX-30) and the maximum speed is 140 km/h.
The rotary engine that acts as an electricity generator is a hallmark of Mazda, but it is also much lighter and more compact, and leaves more space for the electric motor and the rest of the components of the hybrid system. On the road it has a very noble, balanced behavior, with a tread that conveys confidence. And, when the rotary motor comes into operation to charge the battery, it is barely noticeable.
The hybrid system can work in three ways: EV, in 100% electric mode until the battery runs out and the thermal engine starts up; Normal, uses the battery up to 45% of the charge and Charge, which allows you to charge the battery on the go, programming the charge level we want (in percentage). In any case, whenever we want power or acceleration, the combustion engine starts up.
The average approved gasoline consumption is very low, around 1 liter per 100 km. And in daily use with trips of about 100 km, which most users will do, it is a very economical car. And, most importantly, we do not depend on finding electric chargers to continue the journey, which eliminates the anxiety of lack of autonomy of 100% electric cars.
There are two ways to charge the battery: by using the rotary engine using fuel energy (gasoline) or by using the vehicle's charging connector using electricity from a public or domestic charging point. If we charge the car at home, using a domestic outlet of up to 7.2 kW, it will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to fully recharge the battery. If the power is 11 kW, the time is reduced to about 50 minutes. And if the charging point or station has 36 kW of power, we will only need 25 minutes.
The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV battery is very light and produces low CO₂ emissions during its manufacturing. In addition, this 17.8 kWh battery weighs down the car less in daily use, with lower consumption and light, agile dynamic driving. Mazda also achieves a low manufacturing cost for the battery and less dependence on the manufacturing of raw materials such as lithium.
It is also worth highlighting the high level of finishes and quality perceived in the interior. Everything, to improve the experience of the driver and passengers, making it more comfortable and attractive. And it uses a multimedia system with all the connectivity imaginable, with an 8-inch screen at the top of the dashboard so you don't have to look away. Finally, explain that Mazda offers several launch campaigns and the possibility of enjoying up to 5,000 euros discount as it is a PHEV and has a zero DGT label.
