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Jan. 13, 2023
Products and Technology
Mazda reveals Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV in Europe
— A Mazda-unique plug-in hybrid model that uses a rotary engine as a generator-
HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda Motor Corporation unveiled the Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, a plug-in hybrid model that uses a rotary engine as a generator, at the Brussels Motor Show1 today.
The leading product for Mazda electrification, the Mazda MX-30 launched in 2020 as Mazda’s first mass-production battery electric vehicle, with a mild hybrid model joining the product lineup for some markets. With “living true to yourself” as the product concept, the MX-30 has offered pure, pleasant drive, an exterior with a familiar, approachable look, and a cabin space that settles the mind and heart through the use of materials with a warmth to them—all elements that make time spent with the car and experiences enjoyed alongside it creativity-inspiring for owners.
The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is a series plug-in hybrid that continues to deliver the same customer value as the original MX-30 while simultaneously offering owners new ways of using their car as a battery electric vehicle. The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV has an 85 km battery electric driving range2 sufficient for a wide range of everyday driving needs as well the ability to use a generator to enable long distance drives. On top of this, the entire driving range is motor-powered.
Mazda chose to use a rotary engine to power the generator system. Levering the unique way in which rotary engines can produce the required output with a small power unit, Mazda developed the new rotary engine3 to work as a generator and positioned it on the same axel as a high-output motor and a generator in the motor room. Mazda then paired this compact electric power unit with a 17.8 kWh4 lithium ion battery and a 50 L gas tank to achieve the unique series plug-in hybrid system.
The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV also supports customers with an active lifestyle by offering features including compatibility with both normal and fast charging, 1,500 W power supply functionality, and three drive modes drivers can choose from to suit different driving situations: Normal, EV, and Charge modes.
Additionally, the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV will be available in a special edition model: “Edition R.” Edition R vehicles feature black-based exterior and interior trims with Maroon Rouge Metallic, a remake of the roof color of Mazda’s first passenger vehicle, the Mazda R360 Coupe, as an exterior accent color. It also includes exclusive design elements such as a rotor-shaped emblem sewn into the floor mats and embossed on the seat headrests.
In moving toward 2030, Mazda will aim to continue research based on its human-centered philosophy, create more moving experiences for people to enjoy while driving in their daily life, and deliver more enjoyment to everyday life which will uplift and energize people.
June 22, 2023
MAZDA MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV Mass Production Launched
－Promoting Initiatives to Reduce Environmental Impact Across the Production Process to Achieve Carbon Neutral－
HIROSHIMA, Japan － Mazda Motor Corporation announced that, on June 22, the company started mass production of the European model of the MAZDA MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV at Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima City. This is Mazda’s first mass-production rotary engine vehicle in 11 years since the Mazda RX-8 was discontinued in June 2012. Mazda has cumulatively produced over 1.99 million rotary engine vehicles.
The MX-30 e-SKYACTIVE R-EV is a unique plug-in hybrid model. It has an 85 km battery electric driving range*1 sufficient for a wide range of everyday driving needs with the rotary engine generating additional power to extend the driving distance. On top of this, the entire driving range is motor-powered.
Introduced in 2020, the MX-30 is Mazda’s first mass-production battery electric vehicle, adding both a mild hybrid model and new plug-in hybrid model to Mazda’s product lineup. The MX-30 embodies Mazda’s multi-solution approach to achieving carbon neutrality. Environmentally-conscious materials were intentionally adopted in the design process, applying cork and fabrics made from recycled materials in ways that bring out their natural appeal and create a comfortable interior. Mazda keeps striving to reduce our environmental footprint throughout the production process.
Mazda will continue to take steady steps toward the greater challenge of making our entire supply chain carbon neutral by 2050 in our endeavor to help create a future where we can coexist with our beautiful planet in harmony.
■ Initiatives for reducing Mazda’s environmental impact in the MX-30 production process
1) Multi-tone painting — Energy-saving initiatives
Along the dedicated paint line applying multi-tone paint*2, a distinctive feature of the MX-30 design, Mazda has introduced a spray gun that precisely sprays those areas where colors need to be applied separately. This painting technology reduces paint loss with precise millimeter-by-millimeter control of the distance between the spray paint gun nozzle and the body surface. Additionally, for the drying process, we have adopted newly developed paints that harden at a low temperature of approximately 80°C instead of having to be heated to 140°C to dry. This series of steps has significantly reduced energy use compared to the multi-tone paint painting process on an ordinary line, and successfully reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 34%～37% using an annual conversion.
At Mazda’s production sites around the world, we have advanced efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and volatile organic compounds, both of which involve trade-offs, with introduction of the Three-Layer Wet Paint System in 2002 and Aqua-Tech Paint System in 2009 for the painting process, a production component that has a particularly high environmental impact. Furthermore, the MX-30 multi-tone paint line applies Aqua-Tech Paint System technology to reduce impact on the environment, and achieves a high-quality paint finish accentuating the strength and beauty of KODO: Soul of Motion design form.
2) Solar power system — Renewable energy adoption initiatives
The solar power system at Mazda’s Hiroshima Plant, which went operational in July 2021, outputs 1.1 MW. The power generated charges MX-30 EV models, which are produced at the plant, the newly-mass produced e-SKYACTIV R-EV for shipment, and even supplies electricity used throughout the entire plant.