5 ms·

You're going to have to wait a while before Mazda releases a real EV. I think the MX-30 (their only BEV) is probably underrated as a very short range city car (

by moogly 2y ago

You're going to have to wait a while before Mazda releases a real EV. I think the MX-30 (their only BEV) is probably underrated as a very short range city car (I dunno why it's so reviled and the BMW i3 is a cult classic, and I've driven an i3s), but it does not work outside a city IMO.

Marsymars 2y ago
I've had the same thought about the MX-30. It's too pricey for my blood, but spec-wise it looks perfect for my two-car household that is going to maintain an ICE for out-of-city trips.
- pornel 2y ago
  MX-30 is a compliance car. It's a hybrid with the engine ripped out - there's literally huge empty space under the hood, but they haven't even bothered to move things around to make a frunk.
  - Marsymars 2y ago
    Sure, but the state of the market means there’s nothing better. The reasonable competitors don’t have equivalent battery capacity and extra space under the hood, they have extra battery, which for my use is worse than empty space, it’s extra cost upfront plus extra weight to lug around.
    - pornel 2y ago
      MX-30 is not particularly light, nor spacious compared to other "city" EVs. I get that Mazda has a reputable brand, but MX-30 is just an F.U. to the state of California. Mazda sells less than 10 of them per month. Not ten thousand. Just ten. There are small-battery trims of many EVs in the similar price range, usually with faster charging and better range: Kona, MG4, e-C4, Zoe, e-208, Fiat e500, for a slightly higher price there's Volvo EX30. And among short-range difficult-to-charge cars Leaf is cheaper.
      - Marsymars 2y ago
        Again, to me, "more range" as a result of a bigger battery is a negative. And just out of curiosity, I compared local pricing (CAD) - a Kona starts $47k after rebates and incentives and an MX-30 starts at $39k, so pretty hefty difference. For that matter, even the Leaf starts at $42k. As for the Leaf, I wouldn't consider an EV without active cooling on the batteries unless the manufacturer included a lifetime battery warranty.
        pornel 2y ago
        The talk of a light frugal battery is only a marketing spin. The range and usable capacity are small, but the gross battery capacity is only 11% smaller than in Leaf. MX-30 is heavier than Leaf, Kona, and even Tesla Model 3 SR/RWD.
        Marsymars 2y ago
        > The talk of a light frugal battery is only a marketing spin. I've literally never seen any such marketing. All I've done is look at the spec sheet. > MX-30 is heavier than Leaf, Kona, and even Tesla Model 3 SR/RWD. Not the Kona. Marginally heavier than the lowest trim of the Leaf. But by having a smaller battery, the impression to me is that the weight goes to something useful, rather than battery, so I'm getting more car for the weight. (The base MX-30 is notably more featurful than the base Leaf.) Plus more car for the price, as I've previously mentioned.
speedgoose 2y ago
The i3 was released in 2013 and the MX-30 in 2020 but with similar specs. Cheaper to build though. The i3 is a fun rear wheel drive car and the mx-30 is an old ICE adapted front wheel drive. Many people don’t care but car enthusiasts do. The i3 was a carbon fiber body on an aluminium frame with plastic body panels, with an unique interior and choice of materials. The MX-30 is a bit boring. But the MX-30 kept the annoying doors and the failed hybrid concept. I think the MX-30 arrived too late for its specs.
- moogly 2y ago
  To be fair, the MX-30's interior is pretty nice and definitely unique with its cork infusions, though I'm not sure how well cork will stand the test of time. I thought it was nicer than the i3s's. I'll have to say the i3s was not fun to drive in the winter with its really narrow tires and its propensity for getting stuck in the worn down tracks of other cars. Great and nimble in the city though.
  - speedgoose 2y ago
    I didn’t know the Mazda has some cork option. I still prefer the i3 wood plank but its a matter of personal tastes I guess. The i3 is for sure not the best winter car but I didn’t have major issues in the Oslo area. Also thin tires is somewhat better in the snow. At least that’s what they go with in WRC.

by moogly 2y ago

Marsymars 2y ago

I've had the same thought about the MX-30. It's too pricey for my blood, but spec-wise it looks perfect for my two-car household that is going to maintain an ICE for out-of-city trips.

pornel 2y ago
MX-30 is a compliance car. It's a hybrid with the engine ripped out - there's literally huge empty space under the hood, but they haven't even bothered to move things around to make a frunk.
- Marsymars 2y ago
  Sure, but the state of the market means there’s nothing better. The reasonable competitors don’t have equivalent battery capacity and extra space under the hood, they have extra battery, which for my use is worse than empty space, it’s extra cost upfront plus extra weight to lug around.
  - pornel 2y ago
    MX-30 is not particularly light, nor spacious compared to other "city" EVs. I get that Mazda has a reputable brand, but MX-30 is just an F.U. to the state of California. Mazda sells less than 10 of them per month. Not ten thousand. Just ten. There are small-battery trims of many EVs in the similar price range, usually with faster charging and better range: Kona, MG4, e-C4, Zoe, e-208, Fiat e500, for a slightly higher price there's Volvo EX30. And among short-range difficult-to-charge cars Leaf is cheaper.
    - Marsymars 2y ago
      Again, to me, "more range" as a result of a bigger battery is a negative. And just out of curiosity, I compared local pricing (CAD) - a Kona starts $47k after rebates and incentives and an MX-30 starts at $39k, so pretty hefty difference. For that matter, even the Leaf starts at $42k. As for the Leaf, I wouldn't consider an EV without active cooling on the batteries unless the manufacturer included a lifetime battery warranty.
      - pornel 2y ago
        The talk of a light frugal battery is only a marketing spin. The range and usable capacity are small, but the gross battery capacity is only 11% smaller than in Leaf. MX-30 is heavier than Leaf, Kona, and even Tesla Model 3 SR/RWD.
        Marsymars 2y ago
        > The talk of a light frugal battery is only a marketing spin. I've literally never seen any such marketing. All I've done is look at the spec sheet. > MX-30 is heavier than Leaf, Kona, and even Tesla Model 3 SR/RWD. Not the Kona. Marginally heavier than the lowest trim of the Leaf. But by having a smaller battery, the impression to me is that the weight goes to something useful, rather than battery, so I'm getting more car for the weight. (The base MX-30 is notably more featurful than the base Leaf.) Plus more car for the price, as I've previously mentioned.

speedgoose 2y ago

The i3 was released in 2013 and the MX-30 in 2020 but with similar specs. Cheaper to build though. The i3 is a fun rear wheel drive car and the mx-30 is an old ICE adapted front wheel drive. Many people don’t care but car enthusiasts do. The i3 was a carbon fiber body on an aluminium frame with plastic body panels, with an unique interior and choice of materials. The MX-30 is a bit boring. But the MX-30 kept the annoying doors and the failed hybrid concept. I think the MX-30 arrived too late for its specs.

moogly 2y ago
To be fair, the MX-30's interior is pretty nice and definitely unique with its cork infusions, though I'm not sure how well cork will stand the test of time. I thought it was nicer than the i3s's. I'll have to say the i3s was not fun to drive in the winter with its really narrow tires and its propensity for getting stuck in the worn down tracks of other cars. Great and nimble in the city though.
- speedgoose 2y ago
  I didn’t know the Mazda has some cork option. I still prefer the i3 wood plank but its a matter of personal tastes I guess. The i3 is for sure not the best winter car but I didn’t have major issues in the Oslo area. Also thin tires is somewhat better in the snow. At least that’s what they go with in WRC.