The Mazda MX-30 E35 is a small SUV and Mazda’s first foray into the all-electric world. It has received praise for its comfort and handling as well as its use of natural and recycled materials in the interior. The MX-30 E35 also features double opening ‘clamshell’ side doors with no B pillar, which they first used in their RX-8 sports car.
The MX-30 E35 does however come with one major limitation. In a world of EVs with 300 to 500 plus km driving ranges, the BEV version1 of the MX-30 offers a mere 200km (WLTP), which means it has the shortest range of all the BEVs currently on the Australian market.
On top of this, rather than competing in price against its direct small SUV competitors (such as the standard range Kona electric or the MG ZS EV) the MX-30 is similarly priced to BEVs with twice or more driving range. As such, until the range or pricing issues are addressed, the MX-30 is likely to remain a niche player in the Australian vehicle market.
Mazda MX-30 Variants
| Variant | Battery (kWh) | WLTP Range (km) | Real World Range (km) | Power Output (kW) | Torque (Nm) | Plug Types (AC/DC) | Max Charge Rate (AC/DC) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E35 Astina | 35.5 | 200 | 161 | 105 | 271 | Type 2/ CCS2 | 6.6/37 | $65,490 |
DRIVING RANGE
Australian test standards are currently in a state of flux with the Green Vehicle Guide2 (GVG) showing some vehicle driving ranges using either the old (and highly over optimistic) European NEDC test cycle figure or the newer European WLTP test cycle figure. Worse still, for recent additions to the Australian market the GVG often gives no data at all! Around town the WLTP figure is the best guide for range. If you’re doing outer suburban or regional driving use the US EPA figure.
Using the WLTP range a Mazda MX-30 is capable of a return trip from the Melbourne GPO to Ocean Grove on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, provided the heating or air conditioning are not heavily used. For this sort of trip a top-up charge at the public AC or DC chargers in Ocean Grove is recommended. (See Plugshare.com for more charging options).
CHARGING SPEEDS/REQUIREMENTS
Charging port
The MX-30 E35 is fitted with a CCS2 socket allowing it to charge via Type 2 AC chargers3 as well as CCS2 DC fast-chargers.
The MX 30 E35 can be charged at any AC EVSE, however an adaptor is needed to use the (few) remaining older EVSEs fitted with Type 1 (J1772) plugs.
AC charging
Although fitted with the 3 phase type 2 AC socket as part of the CCS2 system the Mazda MX-30 E35 charges using single phase AC only at a maximum of 6.6 kW.
Charging speeds and times vary on the capacity of the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) the EV is connected to.
DC fast charging
Like all new BEVs sold in Australia (except the Nissan Leaf), the MX-30 uses the CCS2 DC fast-charge connector and can charge at up to 37 kW at a DC fast-charger.
Mazda MX-30 Time to Charge (hrs)
| Battery size (kWh) | 15A 1 phase (3.6kW) | 32A 1 phase (7.2kW) | 16A 3 phase (11kW) | DC Fast Charge (50kW) | DC Fast Charge (350kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35.5 | 9h 20m | 5h | 5h | 50m | 50m |
HOME CHARGING CONSIDERATIONS
To get the shortest home charging time for the MX-30 requires a 6.6kW or greater single phase AC EVSE.
However, depending on your existing power supply and/or charging needs, a lower rated EVSE may only be practicable, or needed. Lower capacity EVSEs will increase charging times..
The MX-30 also comes with a Mode 2 portable EVSE for plugging into a standard 10A power point. Charging a MX-30 with this EVSE will take around 14hrs for a 0 – 100% charge.
Important notes for any home EVSE installation:
1. High charging rates are generally not needed for overnight charging.
2. Homes do not normally have three phase AC connected.
3. Switchboard and/or electrical supply upgrades may be needed if your home is more than 20 years old.
Mazda MX-30 Specifications
| Cargo space (litres) | Cargo Space with rear seats folded (litres) | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Width with mirrors (mm) | Height (mm) | Tow Rating (braked / unbraked) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 366 | 1171 | 4390 | 1795 | 2035 | 1570 | - |
