Mazda Lifts The Veil On CX-30 EV At Shanghai Auto Show

Mazda has quietly introduced its latest electric vehicle at the Shanghai Auto Show dubbed the CX-30 EV.

As the name suggests, the CX-30 EV is based on the ICE-powered CX-30 crossover and will be built through the Changan Automobile and Mazda joint venture. The Japanese car manufacturer is remaining mum on many details about the vehicle but has confirmed it features its e-SkyActiv powertrain.

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Underpinning the CX-30 EV is the same SkyActiv-Vehicle Architecture as the all-electric MX-30 so while Mazda hasn’t published full specifications about the CX-30 EV, it will probably have a very similar electric powertrain to the MX-30.

If that’s the case, that means an electric motor at the front axle that produces 141 hp and 194 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque fed by a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that supports AC and DC charging. Interestingly, Mazda hasn’t simply equipped the CX-30 with an electric powertrain and called it a day. In fact, it has also made some rather obvious visual alterations to the crossover.

For example, the CX-30 EV sits noticeably higher than the standard model. Mazda has also equipped the exterior with new parts including a more pronounced front bumper lip, flared wheel arches, side steps, unique rocker panels, and roof rails. It remains unclear if any interior alterations have been made.

As the MX-30 is not sold in China, the Mazda CX-30 EV will be the automaker’s first electric vehicle offered in the local market. Sales are set to kick off in the second half of the year.