Mazda has launched the third member of the MX-30 crossover lineup; a plug-in hybrid that uses an all-new rotary engine as the generator.
This long-term development model was once on the agenda of Mazda Australiabut that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore, with the launch now focusing on Europe.
The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV revealed at the Brussels Motor Show today offers a claimed all-electric range of 85km, with the rotary engine then acting as range extender and turbocharger.
Why a spin? Mazda cites one benefit of the encapsulation: The rotary engine is more compact than the reciprocating engine of the same capacity.
But in reality, it’s always been eager to find a way to bring one of its signature technologies back to the electric age – in this case, generators, not actuators. Mazda’s last rotary car, the RX-8, was discontinued in 2012.
However, it is unlikely to come to Australia, at least in the short term.
“Globally, Mazda introduces models and powertrains to the market based on a multi-solution strategy that considers regional differences in energy production, environmental regulations and customer needs. customers,” the company’s local department told us.
“In Australia, this year we are focused on launching our new major platform hybrid models in Mazda CX-60 and Mazda CX-90plus a host of updates across the major model lines, including Mazda CX-8 and Mazda6.”
In other words, don’t look for it anytime soon.
In Europe, the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV joins the MX-30 M Hybrid (a very mild hybrid) and pure MX-30 EV, with limited range.
The actuator operates as a series combination rather than a parallel combination. That means that the job of the 55kW and 830cc rotary engines is to generate electrical charge for the electric motor instead of directly driving the wheels.
The revs will also work when more power is needed than the battery can supply the engine – for example, when accelerating – based on how much the accelerator is open. But it was never directly connected to the wheels.
The MX-30 eSkyactiv R-EV has a claimed 85 km combined cycle electric range from a 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery that powers the 125 kW and 260 Nm front engines. It is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds.
This battery is the same as the one used in Bigger CX-60 PHEV.
That’s the bigger side to PHEVs – meaning the WLTP combined cycle range is 85km longer on average, extending over 100km in urban traffic when you can use more energizing regenerative braking.
After exhausting, a new rotary engine with a 50L fuel tank will operate. Mazda says it has fitted this latest rotary engine with better top washers than its predecessor Renesis and reduced weight by 15kg by using aluminum for the side covers.
Mazda did not say expected fuel consumption when relying on this generator, nor the full range of the vehicle with the combined fuel tank and battery. Needless to say it’s a lot longer than the MX-30’s claimed 224 km of pure EV, making this model more suitable for long trips.
The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is compatible with single- and three-phase AC Type 2 charging as well as CCS fast charging at up to 36kW DC.
The battery can be charged from 20% SoC to 80% in about 25 minutes. Charging a normal 7.2 kW single-phase AC wall box will take approximately 90 minutes. The time on the home powerpoint is not specified, but you usually charge the trickle overnight.
The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV also supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) power delivery up to 1500 kW.
- Engine power: 125kW and 260Nm
- Drive wheel: Front
- Battery: Capacity 17.8kWh, weight 188kg
- WLTP driving range: 85 km
- Gasoline generator: rotary 830cc
- Compression ratio: 11.9:1
- Maximum power: 55kW at 4700
- Maximum torque: 116Nm at 4,000
- Direct injection
- Feed port type: Side
- Total number of charging ports: 2
- Discharge port setting: Side
- Total discharge ports: 2
- Apex washers 2.5 mm wide, in cast iron 2 compartments
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We spoke with Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak back in March 2022 about local plans for the MX-30 camcorder, and the answer is positive for local buyers wanting an even more quirky offer.
“It will be launched this year,” he said, before the car was apparently delayed. “Certainly it is getting very close to production, almost as much development has been done on the car. We are very happy.”
However, the company has changed its tune in the interim, with Mr Doak telling us more recently in October that its Australian outlook has become more murky – perhaps unsurprisingly. of course Modest sales of MX-30 EV here.
“The car has been and will be,” Doak said, adding that the MX-30 swing range extender remains on the local department’s wish list. “I think it will be launched next year, and from there I am not entirely sure if it will come to Australia.
Now we know it’s not here for at least the next 12 months.
Last year, Mazda filed a series of trademarks with IP Australia for the naming rights to ‘e-SKYACTIV R-HEV’ and ‘e-SKYACTIV R-EV’, so perhaps in the meantime…
