Japanese manufacturer turns back the clock
It’s no secret that e-cars are also considered to be the vehicle for future private mobility in large parts of the automotive industry. But some manufacturers are still struggling with the switch. A well-known brand from Japan is now taking a big step back with its only electric car.
Mazda is changing: electric cars are becoming plug-in hybrids
Like Toyota, Mazda is not exactly known for the speed at which it switches to electromobility. The Japanese have only had one purely electric model on offer in this country since 2020: the MX-30 crossover. This one now has a dubious upgrade that is pointing in the wrong direction. Mazda will MX-30 also available as a plug-in hybrid from spring 2023 offer (source: LinkedIn).
It is no surprise that something has to be changed: the MX-30 costs a lot of money with a price starting at around 36,000 euros, but does little for it. the Range of 200 km according to the WLTP standard is hardly a challenge even for older Stromers. Mazda itself says that the crossover is designed for all everyday situations. You can hardly agree with that in view of what the competition offers.
But to get more out of it, you don’t optimize consumption or install a larger battery. A good old one Gasoline engine intended as a range extender double the range. Only then you no longer drive a real electric car, but a plug-in hybrid.
Mazda’s timing could hardly be worse: the introduction of the new variant of the MX-30 was originally scheduled for 2022. That didn `t work. Downgrading a model that was never really popular is now just about possible too latethan customers could secure the environmental bonus. After all, the Japanese carmaker only provides the plug-in version alongside the previous MX-30. The pure Stromer will not be replaced.
These changes – also for e-car drivers – await us in 2023:
Mazda’s e-car strategy: Stringent looks different
It has only recently become available again: Mazda had one in early December 2022 due to deficiencies in the technical specifications in the EC type approval Delivery and registration stop imposed. Mazda wants to compensate customers who therefore have to forego the environmental bonus at the old level (source: Westfalen-Blatt).
The official presentation of the new variant will take place at the Brussels Motor Show 2023. It is one of the steps with which Mazda wants to reposition itself – albeit a questionable one. By 2030, the e-car share of total sales should increase to 25 to 40 percent.
