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The Mazda MX-30 EV crossover has earned points for its good look and its handling. But, it has a couple of weird quirks – beyond its back doors – that make it one of the least loveable EVs. It looks like it must be a typo. But can that EV range number be right?  

Yes. It only has a 100-mile EV range

Can the all-electric Mazda MX-30 only have a 100-mile EV range?
2022 Mazda MX-30 | Mazda

On the MX-30 website, Mazda says “The typical American drives approximately 30 miles per day. The MX-30 was specifically designed to meet their needs.” It says the MX-30 has an EPA-estimated EV range of 100 miles on a full charge. That smaller battery, however, lets the MX-30 charge from 20% to 80% (or 60 miles) in 36 minutes on a fast charge. From a household or 120-volt outlet, the MX-30 will charge 20% to 80% in 13 hours and 40 minutes.

Rivals like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV have 247 miles of range, while the Hyundai Kona Electric has a range of 258 miles. They both sell for similar money, but they don’t offer the MX-30’s quirks.

How much does an MX-30 cost?

The 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV parked on a marble plaza right outside a building as a well-dressed couple approaches
2022 Mazda MX-30 | MAZDA

The 2022 Mazda MX-30 starts at $36,480. While that’s a lot for a crossover with a 100-mile range, it does come with several premium options such as a 360-degree camera, premium audio, and more. The base MX-30 EV starts at $33,470. Both versions have a relatively small 35.5-kilowatt battery pack. It comes only in front-wheel drive.

It is eligible for federal tax credits.

The Mazda MX-30 is Mazda’s first EV

The MX-30 tries its best to channel Mazda’s popular sports car by sharing the MX name. Car guys love the MX-5 Miata for its nimble steering, lightweight, and its fun quotient. But while the MX-5 has 181 horsepower, the MC-30 has just 143, which contributes to a slow acceleration even with the short EV range. But that’s plenty for a Mazda’s first EV commuter car.

But most of us won’t need to worry about the MX-30’s laughable range: it’s only available in California.

The CX-30 is the better, gas-powered, Mazda with no EV range worries

A gray 2022 Mazda CX-30 subcompact SUV is driving on the road.
The 2022 Mazda CX-30 | Mazda

The Mazda CX-30 is pretty much the gas-powered version. While the MX-30 may be a disappointment in the range area, it does look good and has a useful interior. The CX-30 also has bigger rear doors that make getting in and out a lot easier. You can also order a 250-horsepower 2.5-liter engine with the CX-30 that gives it sprightly acceleration and all-wheel drive – and no EV range limitations. The CX-30 starts at $22,050.

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Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Dan Mayfield

Dan joined MotorBiscuit in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in journalism and a lifelong passion for anything related to the automotive industry. He grew up wrenching a 1949 Ford pickup truck and an MGB with his dad, learning how not to wire a fuel pump (he inadvertently set the MGB on fire).

After earning a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from the University of New Mexico, Dan has contributed his expertise to a range of local outlets, including the City of Albuquerque, US Eagle, and the Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity.

On weekends, Dan spends Saturdays enjoying “cars and coffee” chats and, on Sundays, he’s watching the Route 66 Cruise roll through town. He also races motorcycles, and it’s not unusual to find him elbows-deep in his latest cafe racer build.

Taking advantage of the local desert terrain, Dan also enjoys exploring and driving off-road in his trusty Ram Rebel pickup truck, which provides personal insights into his contributions to our Trucks, SUVs, & Crossovers coverage. Dan strives to give our readers unique information about the dynamic automotive market, reading anything that has to do with cars, trucks, bikes, 4X4s, and, in his words, “everything with a motor.”

Dan has earned a number of accolades from the Public Relations Society of America, and is a University of Southern California, Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism Fellow.