Range anxiety is a real issue when it comes to electric vehicles (EVs). Many consumers fear that their EV’s battery will run out of charge mid-drive and won’t be close enough to a charging station. Since new EV models have come out, though, many of these fears have been assuaged. However, despite Mazda’s efforts to hype its 2022 Mazda MX-30, it has one of the worst electric driving ranges out of any EV. Read on to learn about the history of the MX-30 from its announcement to now, how it stacks up to similar electric SUVs, and some alternatives with better mileage.

History of the 2022 Mazda MX-30

When the Mazda MX-30 was first announced, it was originally slated to have a range extender. This would ultimately justify its much shorter range compared to other electric SUVs on the market. However, according to The Drive, recent news has left out the range extender altogether. However, more announcements on it may come out later, as the vehicle’s fuel economy (MPGe) hasn’t been released yet.

This may be due to a legal constraint, as range extenders cannot extend the range more than double the vehicle’s original range. In other words, the Mazda MX-30’s 100-mile range could only be up to 200 miles through a range extender. 200 miles is by no means the best range on the market today, as some models have broken the 250-mile barrier. Still, packaging it with a range extender would at least make it an average vehicle. After all, the range was really the only factor holding the 2021 MX-30 back.

The Mazda MX-30 has a mediocre range compared to similar EVs

Since there’s no news on the range extender, the model falls far below average compared to other electric compact SUVs. This is especially the case considering the price point. According to Autoweek, the Nissan Leaf, a lower range SUV, received a price cut recently. Additionally, some long-range models are even cheaper than the new Mazda MX-30, as the Chevy Bolt has an MSRP of $31,995 and a respectable 259-mile range. Meanwhile, the MX-30 has an MSRP of $34,645, leaving consumers with little incentive to purchase a low-range model at a high price.

In its press release, Mazda briefly addressed the issue in a positive light, saying, “[the] MX-30 is equipped with a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery that helps maintain its superb driving dynamics and allow for a lower environmental impact.” Ultimately, the company believes that the smaller battery is a positive, not necessarily a negative.

Indeed, the smaller battery makes the vehicle lighter than others, contributing to the “superb driving dynamics” the company mentioned. Additionally, the EV battery production process is, at present, very environmentally unfriendly. A smaller battery would have a much less environmental impact than a larger one until production processes improve.

There is somewhat of a debate when it comes to how terrible the vehicle really is. Will consumers go for a more environmentally-friendly and lighter vehicle over one with more range? The vehicle will be released this fall so that the sales data will test Mazda’s strategy with this one.

Better EV SUV options in terms of range

Range is still important to many, though, so if you don’t like the range of the Mazda MX-30, there are still plenty of great electric compact SUV options for you. The Hyundai Kona Electric, according to Motor Trend, has a range of 258 miles. It’s maintained this range for many different model years, so whether you get the 2019 or the 2022 Kona, you’re sure to get one of the best ranges on the market. It had an estimated MSRP of $37,495 in 2019, but more recent models like the 2022 Kona have dropped to about $34,000 for its base model.

According to The Sun, the Kia E-Niro is one of the top electric compact SUVs, with a 253-mile range. A base model E-Niro for the 2022 model year runs for about $39,990. While it’s not cheaper than the MX-30, its longer range makes it worth considering if that’s an important factor for you.