Mazda Electric Vehicles: What’s Here & What’s Next

The Mazda MX-30 is Mazda’s first step into the fully electric world. It’s a compact SUV made for the city, giving you up to 165 miles of urban driving and can charge from 20 to 80% in just 25 minutes with a DC fast charger. If that kind of range gives you mileage anxiety, Mazda has you covered. There’s the Mazda MX-30 R-EV, which uses a rotary engine as a backup generator, and the larger Mazda CX-90 PHEV, built for bigger families and longer trips.

In this blog, we’re breaking down all three Mazda electrified vehicles—how they work, what kind of driving they’re best for, and what makes Mazda’s approach to EVs different from the rest of the pack. If you care more about real-world performance than just spec sheet bragging rights, this one’s for you.

What Makes Mazda’s Approach to EVs Different?

Mazda isn’t out here trying to top the range charts or flex 0–60 times. Their electric vehicles focus on something more interesting: real-world driving. The kind that actually feels good behind the wheel.

Instead of stuffing in the biggest battery they can find, Mazda engineers build their EVs around smaller, lighter packs. Less weight means sharper handling, more efficient energy use, and a better connection to the road. It’s the same reason people strip weight off track builds—pure, on-the-road control.

Then there’s the rotary engine revival. They didn’t bring it back for nostalgia points. The rotary’s compact size and smooth operation make it the perfect range-extender—quiet, vibration-free, and tucked away so the electric motor stays in charge.

It’s okay for a car to excel at one thing.

Not every EV needs to be a long-range road warrior and a canyon carver. Mazda’s overall car philosophy and focused approach means you get that Jinba Ittai driver-car connection, paired with quiet Kodo, purposeful luxury. No gimmicks. No trying to do it all. Just a machine that knows exactly what it’s built for—and nails it.

Now that we’ve settled that, let’s talk about the new Mazda EVs made for those who enjoy spirited driving and Mazda’s sophisticated design language.

Mazda MX-30

EV Philosophy: Jinba Ittai drive, but built for the city, not the highway

Who should drive this? The short-haul city commuter who charges at home and values minimalist EV tech.

• Drivetrain: Single front-mounted electric motor (143 hp, 200 lb-ft torque)

• Battery: 35.5 kWh lithium-ion

• Range: ~100 miles (urban-focused)

• Charging: DC fast charge to 80% in ~36 minutes

• Driving feel: Low center of gravity, great balance

The MX-30 doesn’t pretend to be a cross-country cruiser—and that’s the point. It’s a city-first EV with a smaller battery that keeps weight low and handling tight. No oversized, underused battery packs here. What you get instead is a compact daily driver that feels planted and responsive.

Mazda designed the MX-30 around urban and suburban use. That smaller battery pays off where it matters most—low curb weight, sharper steering, and better efficiency in stop-and-go traffic. It’s built for drivers who want control and confidence in every turn.

True to Mazda’s “Jinba Ittai” philosophy, the MX-30 focuses on the connection between car and driver. You get responsive handling, a smooth ride, and that classic Mazda steering feel—even in an EV.

And the looks? Freestyle doors and clean, minimalist styling make it stand out from the crowd without trying too hard.

Reeling with range anxiety? Mazda has a solution for that.

Mazda MX-30 R-EV

EV Philosophy: Electric drive, gas backup

Who should drive this? EV-first drivers who want to go long without plugging in every day.

• Powertrain: Electric motor does the driving (168 hp) + 830cc single-rotor gas engine as a generator

• Battery: 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery

• Gas Range Extender: ~85 miles EV, then 300+ total miles with gas top-up

• Rotary Tech: Compact, quiet, vibration-free generator

• No range anxiety: Always runs electric at the wheels—engine just charges the battery

The MX-30 R-EV fixes the range limitations of the all-electric MX-30 without giving up what makes an EV so good to drive. It delivers clean, torquey electric power at the wheels—always. When the battery runs low, a compact rotary engine fires up to generate electricity and keep the drive going.

This isn’t a hybrid. The rotary engine never touches the wheels. It simply recharges the battery on the go—quietly, smoothly, and efficiently. That setup turns the MX-30 R-EV into a long-haul EV without adding weight or killing Mazda’s handling philosophy.

Here’s how your engine works:

• A 17.8 kWh battery gives you ~85 miles of electric range.

• When the charge gets low, the rotary engine kicks in to generate electricity.

• You get 300+ miles total range without plugging in mid-trip.

• You still drive electric—100% of the time.

Mazda brought back the rotary engine because no one else can do it like they can. While other brands like BMW have dabbled in range extenders (see the i3 with its two-cylinder backup generator), Mazda is the only automaker with decades of rotary engineering under its belt. They were the first to mass-produce and race rotary-powered cars. This time, they’re using that tech for practicality, not horsepower.

The 830cc rotary is compact and low-vibration, making it the perfect fit for EV duty. Mazda's engineers specifically tuned it for quiet operation and maximum thermal efficiency, improving its emissions performance and fuel economy. It’s built to stay out of your way until it’s needed.

The R-EV keeps the “Jinba Ittai” connection alive while solving the range problem. It’s still agile, balanced, and responsive. And now, it’s ready for more than just short hauls. This version turns the MX-30 into a practical, road-trip-ready EV without sacrificing what makes it fun to drive.

Mazda CX-90 PHEV

Who should drive this? Drivers who need SUV size and road trip readiness but still want some electric car flexibility for work-week errands.

• Powertrain: 2.5L inline-4 gas engine + 68 kW electric motor

• Battery: 17.8 kWh battery

• Electric-only range: ~26 miles

• Total range: 490+ miles combined

• Transmission: 8-speed automatic

• Drive type: Standard AWD

This is Mazda’s flagship SUV with a plug-in powertrain that actually delivers. The CX-90 PHEV blends strong electric torque with long-haul capability, giving you the best of both worlds—EV for the week, gas for the weekend.

With ~26 miles of electric range, you can handle your daily work commute, errands, and city loops without burning a drop of fuel. Once that charge runs out, the 2.5L engine takes over, and with AWD and 369 lb-ft of torque on tap, there’s no hesitation merging, towing, or getting up a steep grade.

And forget CVTs—Mazda dropped in a real 8-speed automatic for proper control and a more connected drive. It shifts like a driver’s SUV should.

The CX-90 PHEV is built for real-world flexibility. It’s a three-row SUV that can do everything: daily electric driving, weekend road trips, highway pulls, mountain passes, and family hauls. If you want EV benefits without range anxiety—and you’re not ready to go full electric—this is your move.

MX-30 vs MX-30 R-EV vs CX-90 PHEV: Side-by-Side Tech Breakdown

Feature	MX-30 EV	MX-30 R-EV Hybrid	CX-90 PHEV
Powertrain	Electric motor	Electric motor + rotary gas	Electric motor + inline-4 gas
Total Output	143 hp	168 hp	323 hp
EV Range	~100 mi	~85 mi	~26 mi
Total Range	~100 mi	~300+ mi	~490+ mi
Drive Type	FWD	FWD	AWD
Battery Size	35.5 kWh	17.8 kWh	17.8 kWh
Ideal For	Short-range urban	Daily EV driving + long trips	Mixed driving, SUV flexibility

FAQ: Mazda Electric Vehicles

1. Does Mazda have a full electric vehicle?

Yes. The Mazda MX-30 is Mazda’s first fully electric vehicle. It’s a compact SUV designed for short commutes and city driving, offering an EV range of around 100 miles on a single charge.

2. Is the Mazda MX-30 only electric?

The standard MX-30 is fully electric, but there’s also the MX-30 R-EV. That version uses an electric motor to drive the wheels and a rotary gas engine as a generator—so it’s technically a plug-in hybrid, but always drives like a true EV.

3. What does MX mean in Mazda?

“MX” stands for “Mazda Experimental.” It’s used for vehicles that introduce new tech, styling, or performance ideas. Think of it as Mazda’s badge for trying something different—whether that’s a rotary engine, full electrification, or a mix of both.

Mazda’s EVs Are Built for Drivers Who Actually Like Driving

Every car in this lineup—whether it’s the short-haul MX-30, the extended-range R-EV, or the full-size CX-90 PHEV—is engineered around real-world use, balanced handling, and that unmistakable Mazda drive feel.

This isn’t about copying what Tesla’s doing or chasing wild horsepower numbers. It’s about delivering electric power in a way that feels responsive, refined, and purpose-built. With lightweight battery packs, a rotary range extender that stays out of your way, and plug-in systems that actually fit into your week, Mazda proves that going electric doesn’t mean giving up control.

You want range? You’ve got options. You want performance? It’s in the tuning. You want something that drives like a Mazda, even when it’s powered by electrons? That’s the point.

The future of driving is electric. And Mazda’s just getting started.

Carbon Fiber Gear Lifestyle: Built for People Who Live in the Details

If you’re into Mazda’s EV philosophy—smart design over spec-sheet flex, compact power over bulk—you already get why carbon fiber makes sense. It’s the same mindset. Whether it’s a minimalist wallet, a bolt-action pen, or a rugged key fob, carbon fiber gear gives you strength without weight, precision without excess, and style that actually performs.

At Carbon Fiber Gear, we make accessories for people who live in the details. The kind of people who care about what they carry, how it feels, and how it holds up. Sound like you? Then you’re in the right place.

Explore carbon fiber accessories that match your drive.