The Mazda MX-30 was a very curious EV offering when Mazda first revealed it several years ago. The stylish CUV was supposed to be Mazda’s first foray into the EV ranks, but sales were initially limited to the California market only. Mazda’s recent confirmation of the MX-30 REV plug-in hybrid appeared to confirm that the company was potentially ready to expand the MX-30’s availability. However, the company has confirmed that it’s not only axing the MX-30 for the U.S. market but also not bringing the MX-30 R-EV to our shores either.
Slow Sales and Compromised Range Proved To Be Its Downfall
When we last drove the MX-30, it was back in 2021 with the electrified CUV making a rare trip to Michigan and having the honor of serving as a support vehicle for my wedding during its stay with us. However, amid the wedding bells and the ensuing matrimony, the MX-30’s limitations were glaringly obvious. The 100 miles of range was a contradiction to rivals like Tesla and Hyundai, which offered double the range in their models and even forced Mazda to do a vehicle exchange program in California for buyers looking to go on longer road trips. In addition to the scant range, the MX-30 was also slower than some of its rivals and had less room to work with. As a result, its sales were a mere fraction of what Tesla sees on any given day in the California market, with Mazda selling a mere 600 units during the two years it was sold in the state.
As for the MX-30 R-EV it was supposed to be the first production model to bring back a production rotary engine which would serve as a range-extender for the electrified powertrain. We were excited when we heard the news, but it’s no surprise that the R-EV’s travel plans have also been scrubbed due to the standard model’s axing here. Mazda didn’t reveal a formal reason why it chose to withdraw that model in the U.S., but we suspect that a prominent factor was due to the tough engine certification requirements that the federal government has. This rotary has no precursor in our country (it’s not related to the old one in the axed RX-8). As a result, the company would’ve faced a long and costly road to making this powerplant comply with a rapidly evolving set of emissions regulations.
If You Want Your MX-30 Fix, Book A Flight To Europe
While the MX-30 lineup is leaving our shores, Mazda is not axing it worldwide. Instead, the company will continue to sell it in Europe and other markets, with the European market in particular proving to be a good fit with the company’s plans. That’s especially due to many customers over there still preferring small CUVs and utilities over larger offerings, with the R-EV in particular posied to expand this blueprint rapidly.
The MX-30 R-EV is slated to go on sale across the pond in the future, but for now, the all-new rotary engine will be out of our reach though that might change if Mazda chooses to try and offer an EV again in the U.S. with the company using the time the R-EV is on sale in Europe to refine the rotary range-extending engine and engineer it to better comply with U.S. regulations.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.