Mazda ends MX-30 agony in the US, ceases sales

The Mazda MX-30, the Japanese manufacturer's first electric car, went on sale in mid-2021 in the United States, but only in California. It was the Japanese brand's first electric bet, but it arrived in the North American country with a dropper.

Farewell to Mazda electric cars in the US, for now

Two years later, Mazda threw in the towel and announced that it was stopping selling the MX-30 in the United States, so it no longer had an electric car for sale there. It won't even offer the new Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV equipped with a rotary engine that acts as a range extender.

Weak demand behind the decision

Since the Mazda MX-30 was only available in California, a state known for its heavy adoption of electric vehicles, its sales witnessed an insignificant performance. According to The Drive, so far in 2023 only 66 units of the Mazda MX-30 have been sold in the United States. That's a much higher number than the 50 units of the MX-30 that have been sold in Spain throughout 2022, but it's insufficient to justify continuing to sell it in that market.

A choice for continuous electrification, but with another approach

Mazda can't afford to keep selling the Mazda MX-30 in the US, so stop selling it. At the end of this year, the Japanese brand will remove the electric crossover from its American catalog, although it will not miss much because its sales are still testimonial.

That's why Mazda cut its losses and just issued a statement saying it will stop selling the MX-30 in the US at the end of 2023. Of course, it confirms that this decision does not mean giving up the electrification in the North American country. It will simply go for larger plug-in hybrids, such as the first 2024 CX-90 PHEV and the upcoming CX-70 PHEV, in addition to introducing the CX-50 hybrid into its lineup to meet the specific needs of the US market.

A major challenge in the United States

The short range of the electric Mazda MX-30, only 200 kilometers, is a major drawback in the United States, where the distances to be covered can be greater. Plus, its starting price of $34,110 puts it in direct competition with models like the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt EV, which offer better performance and longer range at similar prices.

Mazda's future in electrification

Despite this decision, Mazda is not putting an end to its ambitions in terms of electrification. The company will continue to offer electric models outside the United States, such as the E-Skyactiv R-EV and MX-30 E-Skyactiv EV in Spain. In addition, new electric models are expected to be introduced, with even the possibility of a future electric Mazda MX-5 on the market.

Other manufacturers and engines

Outside the United States, the Mazda MX-30 is not endangered. In Europe, for example, you can already buy the E-Skyactiv R-EV (the first units should be delivered in the coming weeks) and the fully electric MX-30 E-Skyactiv EV is still on sale. Both have exactly the same starting price: 38,050 euros.

Other automakers also offer electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle options. There are electric SUVs like the Tesla Model X, plug-in hybrid sedans like the Mercedes C-Class 350e and the BMW 3 Series 330e, as well as electric crossovers like the Audi e-Tron.

Among the popular models of hybrids are the Toyota Prius and the Volkswagen Passat GTE. These cars offer hybridization that combines an electric motor with a combustion engine for more efficient propulsion. Plug-in hybrid cars allow drivers to take shorter trips in all-electric mode before switching to hybrid mode once the battery is depleted.

Electric vehicles are growing rapidly, and recharging their battery is now more convenient thanks to fast charging stations and home charging capabilities. Car manufacturers are focusing on improving electric motors and reducing the use of polluting materials, such as lithium in lithium-ion batteries, for more environmentally friendly mobility.

With favorable government policies, such as green bonuses and incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles, the number of electric car registrations is expected to continue to rise, encouraging more automakers to invest in the development of all-electric vehicles. The hybridization and electrification of automobiles are at the heart of the automotive industry's efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and promote more sustainable mobility.

The conversion bonus, offered in some countries, also encourages owners to exchange their old diesel or petrol vehicle for a more environmentally friendly model, such as an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. The future of the automobile depends on a transition to cleaner, zero-emission engines to preserve our planet and reduce our carbon footprint.