End of the Road: Mazda Ceases MX-30 EV Sales in the United States
Mazda's journey with the MX-30 EV in the United States has been riddled with ups and downs. The 2024 model year marks the end of the line for the Mazda MX-30 in the US market, following its limited reintroduction in California. Unfortunately, this time around, the car only managed to sell a meager 66 units in 2023, with slow sales starting from single digits in the first three months and reaching a year-high of 18 in May, but then dropping to 16 units in June.
The MX-30 was exclusively available in California, serving as a compliance vehicle to meet emissions rules in the state. However, this was not the first time the MX-30 EV faced discontinuation. In its previous run, it only sold a total of 505 cars, falling short of Mazda's modest goal of 560 units. Despite its revival in January, it seems that the MX-30's fate is sealed once again.
Mazda's lack of serious commitment to the MX-30 EV was evident, and its limited appeal compared to other entry-level EVs like the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf led to its underwhelming performance in the market. Furthermore, the car's underwhelming specifications, including a small 35.5 kWh battery pack providing a range of only 100 miles, further dampened its prospects when compared to more competitive offerings.
Mazda is shifting its US focus to larger PHEVs like the CX-90, CX-70, and CX-50 hybrid. Their goal is to achieve 25-40% EV sales by 2030. Currently, they don't have any known EV models, except for a potential electrified Miata. The Mazda MX-30 is being discontinued, but Mazda plans to electrify its lineup with upcoming PHEVs as a transition until BEVs arrive in the late 2020s to early 2030s. In Europe, the future of the MX-30 is uncertain, but Mazda has introduced a plug-in hybrid version called the Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV with a 17.8 kWh battery.
While Mazda's MX-30 EV bid farewell to the US market due to lackluster sales, there's an electrifying development in the world of affordable electric vehicles. If you're looking for another option, the next-gen Chevrolet Bolt is set to embrace Ultium technology.
