Mazda has ended production of the MX-30 R-EV in Europe after just two years on the market, marking the final chapter for its first foray into electric vehicles with a range-extending rotary engine. This decision follows the earlier discontinuation of the pure-electric MX-30 last summer, effectively removing the entire MX-30 line from European sales.
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The Rise and Fall of the R-EV
The MX-30 R-EV was conceived as a bridge between traditional internal combustion engines and fully electric vehicles, using a compact rotary engine to generate electricity when the battery depleted. However, it failed to gain significant traction among consumers.
According to Mazda, the discontinuation is a result of “consumer trends” and shifting “production priorities.” Sales figures confirm this: only 678 units were registered in the UK, compared to 1,872 pure EVs. The model also struggled in the US, where it was sold exclusively in California and discontinued in 2023 after approximately 600 sales.
Why It Didn’t Work
Several factors contributed to the MX-30’s limited success. The EV version suffered from a short range (124 miles) and a high price relative to competitors with more practical specifications. The R-EV variant, while offering extended range, still retained the MX-30’s compromised practicality—notably, half-sized rear doors that reduced passenger comfort.
The model’s failure underlines the challenges of niche electric vehicle solutions in a market increasingly focused on long-range, cost-effective options.
Mazda’s Future EV Plans
Despite the MX-30’s fate, Mazda remains committed to electric power. The company will introduce two new EVs to the UK market this year: the 6e saloon and the CX-6e SUV, both based on models from Chinese firm Changan. This move signals a shift towards leveraging partnerships to accelerate its EV lineup, as previous models were either converted from internal combustion platforms or licensed from other manufacturers.
Rotary’s Future
Mazda also confirms that it will continue to develop its rotary range-extender technology. The Iconic SP and Vision X-Coupé concepts showcase a more advanced twin-rotor engine capable of directly driving the wheels and recharging the battery—a significant improvement over the MX-30 R-EV’s single-rotor generator.
The discontinuation of the MX-30 R-EV serves as a clear message: Mazda is recalibrating its EV strategy, prioritizing partnerships and refining its rotary technology for future applications. The company is also working on a bespoke in-house EV platform, signaling a long-term commitment to electrification beyond its current reliance on modified ICE platforms or licensed designs.
