The 2022 Mazda MX-30 Electric SUV is Going to Disneyland!

Mazda has officially announced that it will start selling its MX-30 electric vehicle in the U.S. market. At first, the new EV will be available only in California, with a 2022 Mazda MX-30 release date scheduled for the fall of 2021. Since Disneyland is in California, and its parking garage has EV charging stations, a Mazda MX-30 is almost certain to visit the iconic theme park in the future.

The new Mazda MX-30 is the company’s first EV, and it’s a modest effort. The single electric motor draws electricity from a 35.5-kWh battery pack and delivers 144 horsepower and 200 lb.-ft. of torque to the front wheels. For comparison, a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV employs a 65-kWh battery and produces 200 hp and 266 lb.-ft. of torque.

Mazda has not announced an estimated EPA driving range number. On the European WLTP cycle, which is traditionally more optimistic than EPA numbers, the MX-30 provides 124 miles of range. Meanwhile, the more powerful Bolt EUV offers 250 miles, according to the EPA. 

Mazda says the MX-30 can recharge from 20% to 80% in 36 minutes using a 50-kWh DC fast charger. It plans to partner with ChargePoint to provide easy access to charging away from home and will announce more details about how this will work closer to the MX-30’s arrival in the Golden State.

There is more to Mazda’s future electrification plans. In addition to rolling out the MX-30 to more states in 2022, the automaker will add a plug-in hybrid version to the lineup for the 2023 model year. It will include a rotary-design range-extending gasoline-powered generator, solving the MX-30 EV’s driving range issue.

“The rotary generator will mark the return of our unique rotary powertrain,” said Jeff Guyton, President of Mazda North American Operations, in a statement. “This technology is being engineered for nearly silent operation and will replenish the battery rather than drive the wheels. As a result, the MX-30 will always drive the like engaging EV that it is, but with the freedom to charge from the wall or on the go.”

Mazda says the CX-30 adheres to a new “Human Modern” concept that further evolves the automaker’s successful “Kodo” design philosophy. With its coupe-style profile, freestyle side doors, thick wrap of lower gray cladding, and available 2-tone paint, the MX-30 looks like nothing else on the road.

Minimalism rules inside, with a driver-centric layout, cork detailing, and the latest Mazda Connect infotainment technology. Curiously, the climate control panel is a separate low-mounted 7-inch touchscreen, which would seem to refute Mazda’s claim that touchscreens are too distracting for drivers to use safely.

An updated MyMazda app and expanded Mazda Connected Services accommodate EV ownership requirements, such as remote monitoring and control of charging sessions. Unnamed i-ActiveSense enhancements will improve Mazda’s advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS).

Additionally, Mazda confirmed that its new Alabama-built crossover, which will slot between the CX-5 and CX-9 in the automaker’s lineup, will get a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. Furthermore, the company’s new rear-drive large vehicle platform, which is likely to serve as the foundation for the next-generation CX-9 and Mazda 6, will offer a plug-in hybrid option.

Mazda is the source of information for this article. It was accurate on April 14, 2021, but it may have changed since that date.