Rotary return: 2023 Mazda MX-30 R-EV features range extender engine

MANILA: The innovative 2023 Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV Plug-In Hybrid joins the pure Mazda's electrified lineup. The plug-in version of the EV just made its European debut at the Brussels Motor Show.

The 2023 Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is a series Plug-In Hybrid that provides the same customer benefits as the Mazda MX-30 pure electric vehicle — while also introducing novel battery electric vehicle usage scenarios.

An all-new 830cc single-rotor petrol engine works as a generator to provide longer distance rides without range or charge concern. With a 17.8KWh battery, the 2023 Mazda MX-30 R-EV has a 53-mile (85 kilometer) pure electric range. There is no mechanical connection between the engine and the wheels, as the rotary unit simply acts as a generator, ensuring the MX-30 R-EV always drives via the electric motor to deliver a seamless EV driving experience.

Mazda chose the rotary motor for this application due to its exceptional capacity to deliver the required output from a tiny, light, and readily packaged unit. Mazda has more than 50 years of experience in the development of rotary engines. In the engine bay, the generator and high-output motor are neatly positioned next to the rotary engine. WLTP CO2 output of just 21g/km provides class-leading environmental efficiency, while the 17.8kw battery and 50-litre fuel tank combine to create a unique series plug-in hybrid with a flexible overall range of over 400 miles (600 kilometers).

Another advantage is compatibility with both AC charging and rapid DC charging. Three-phase AC charging takes around 50 minutes, however DC rapid charging can be finished in about 25 minutes for maximum customer flexibility. In order to accommodate various driving circumstances, the Mazda MX-30 R-EV features three drive settings: Normal, EV, and Charge. With a 125kw/170ps output, it has slightly better acceleration than the 145ps fully electric MX-30.

The Mazda e-Skyactiv R-EV, which is now available to order in the UK for delivery in the summer, is offered in the same highly specified grades as the all-electric e-Skyactiv MX-30: Prime-Lime, Exclusive-Line, and Makoto. However, unique to the R-EV, the range is topped by the Edition R. This limited edition launch model was unveiled on the Brussels Motor Show stand and has standout features both inside and out. It is only available in the unique color combination of Jet Black with Maroon Rouge side pillars and a black roof.

With the R moniker standing for return, just Mazda MX-30 R-EV 400 Edition R models will come to the UK to celebrate the return of the rotary engine. The Maroon Rouge color accent pays homage to the roof color of the Mazda R360 – Mazda’s first passenger car. Inside, the front seat headrests are embossed with the rotary symbol and Edition R name, while the mats feature the rotary badge and a single white line of 2.6mm stitching matching the width of the rotor apex seal grooves. The same nod to the rotor apex seals can be found on the sculpted sides of the key, which also features horizontal sides that curve at the same angle as the sides of the rotor.

Mazda mass-produced more than 2 million rotary engines between the introduction of the Mazda Cosmo in 1967 and the end of the RX-8 manufacture in 2012. The rotary engine is once again employed as a power generator rather than a drive unit, having been modified to match the demands of the modern world. Its small size enables coaxial placement and integration with the electric motor, decelerator, and generator to achieve a unit with an overall width of less than 840mm, allowing it to fit under the hood without requiring modifications to the MX-30 body frame. The new 8C rotary engine is an 830cc single rotor with a 120mm rotor radius and 76mm rotor width.

In order to guarantee a 53-mile electric-only driving range while also taking into account the battery's environmental impact throughout the course of the vehicle's life cycle, a 17.8kwh battery was selected. The high power 122kw/166ps electric motor in the 2023 Mazda MX-30 R-EV can generate up to 260Nm of torque while maintaining the same calm, precise, and enjoyable driving characteristics of the MX-30's pure-electric counterpart.

The 2023 Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV has three driving modes: Normal, EV, and Charge; however, the mode selection has no bearing on the top speed of the car. As long as there is sufficient battery charge, normal mode provides electric driving. When accelerating, for instance, if more power is needed than the battery level can provide, the rotary engine generator will turn on and offer more power to the battery based on how much the accelerator is opened. Thus, the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV offers exceptional acceleration performance and guarantees that drivers will always enjoy their time behind the wheel.

When they wish to maintain electric drive for the longest amount of time, they can activate EV mode. Until the battery is entirely discharged, this mode will ensure that the car only uses electric driving. However, it should be noted that the rotary engine will activate and produce the power required for the car to accelerate as powerfully as possible if the driver needs to accelerate quickly and deliberately depresses the accelerator pedal significantly beyond a certain point (equivalent to the kickdown switch function on a standard automatic transmission vehicle).

Additionally, drivers have the option of specifying the amount of battery charge they want to reserve in 10% increments. Charge mode can be used to safeguard the appropriate amount of battery for scenarios like the requirement to save zero emissions operating for specific metropolitan locations. When the battery's charge falls below the designated reserve level, the generator will turn on, charge the battery to the predetermined level, and then maintain that level of charge. As soon as the battery charge rises above the predetermined level, the car will run in what is essentially Normal mode until the battery falls below the predetermined level. The battery will then be maintained at that level using the rotary engine generator.

Commenting on the reveal of the Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director, Mazda Motors UK, said: "I’m really excited about the new MX-30 R-EV joining our electrified line-up in the UK this summer. A great example of Mazda’s challenger spirit, thanks to its unique technological approach, it’s a car that’s the perfect solution for customers who want an electric car for everyday usage but the flexibility to undertake longer journeys without the reliance on charging infrastructure. With the option to choose either the pure electric MX-30 or the new R-EV version depending on their needs, our customers now have even more choice."

Photos from Mazda

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