Mazda announces the MX-30 EV, its first all-electric vehicle

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Mazda has announced its all-new MX-30 EV, its first electric vehicle, which will start at $42,150 in GS trim, and go on sale in the fall of 2021 starting in Quebec and British Columbia. The upper-level GT trim is $47,150.

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That price will be lowered by the federal government’s electric-vehicle incentive, and by rebates in those provinces. The MX-30 EV will come with a $500 ChargePoint credit that can be used for public charging or toward the cost of a Level 2 home charging station, and a 2-year/32,000-km scheduled maintenance plan.

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Mazda announces the MX-30 EV, its first all-electric vehicle Back to video

The MX-30 EV will have an estimated range of 161 km on a full charge, and uses a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery mounted under the floor. The 80.9 kW electric motor drives the front wheels, and delivers 143 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque.

Recharging will take just under three hours on Level 2 charging, while the battery can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent within 36 minutes on a Level-3 DC 50 kW fast charger. The battery is covered by warranty for eight years or 160,000-kms, and a two-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services lets drivers monitor and control charging through a phone app.

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Wheel-mounted paddles allow the driver to adjust the level of regenerative braking, and the new model includes a version of Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus, which subtly adjusts engine torque and momentarily applies specific brakes in conjunction with steering wheel movement, to smooth out the vehicle on turns and curves.

Based on the gasoline MX-30, the EV uses a unique grille and “freestyle” doors, with rear-hinged rear doors that open for easy entry to the rear seats.

Inside, the cabin features cork accents — Mazda started out as a bottle cork manufacturer — along with a “floating” centre console, electronic shifter, seven-inch touchscreen, and two-tone upholstery with fabric made with recycled threads.

The GS trim includes heated seats and steering wheel, auto-dimming mirror, 18-inch wheels, LED lighting, navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and driver-assist safety features including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, emergency front braking, and automatic high-beam headlamps.

The GT adds premium stereo, sunroof, 360-degree camera, leather-style upholstery, memory driver’s seat, power-folding mirrors, and includes blind-spot steering assist and front cross-traffic alert.