The Mazda MX-30 is basically a modern-day compliance car as it’s only available in California and offers a laughable EPA-estimated range of 100 miles (161 km).
That makes it a tough sell for even the most diehard environmentalists as nearly every other electric vehicle offers at least twice the range. Even those that don’t, such as the MINI Cooper SE, are cheaper, more powerful, and can travel further on a single charge.
Mazda has defended the MX-30’s disappointing range by pointing out the average American only travels around 30 miles (48 km) per day. While there’s plenty of truth in that, the MX-30 is still a tough sell when similar money can get you more range elsewhere.
Also Read: Mazda MX-30 Starts At $33,470, But Only Has 100 Miles Of Range
This dilemma is nothing new, but Mazda Canada’s national manager for product and electrification strategy revealed a handful of other arguments for the limited range. As he told Automotive News Canada, “We’ve found through research that many of these individuals have additional cars in their households that are for longer range.” So in effect, the answer to the MX-30’s limited range is owning a second, presumably gas-powered, vehicle.
That’s a stretch for some people, but Mark Peyman noted the MX-30 should have enough range to meet the needs of more than 80% of consumers. He went on to say customers who need more range can look forward to the plug-in hybrid variant, which “could conceivably be somebody’s only vehicle.”
While the MX-30 is a bit of an oddity, the US-spec crossover starts at $33,470 and is eligible for a $7,500 tax credit that effectively lowers the price to $25,970. That’s not too bad, if you can live with the limited range and convince your significant other to swap cars once in awhile. It’s also worth noting MX-30 customers can get other Mazda vehicles for up to 10 days per year, for the first three years of ownership, thanks to the Elite Access Loaner Program.
