The Mazda MX-30 at $ 35,000 and 100 miles makes no sense

The Mazda MX-30 is a weird electric pseudo-crossover that’s sort of too small and raked in the back to really be a crossover, with RX-8-style hinged rear half-doors. It’s also due to a paltry range among modern electric vehicles, with the EPA citing 100 miles on a single charge. And this week, Mazda released its pricing here in the US, where it will start at $ 34,470 before incentives.

Who does Mazda actually expect to buy this thing from? Made Mazda expects someone to buy this thing?

Of course, there’s a point for the inexpensive commuter electric vehicle, the kind of frugal runabout that the market lacked. My colleague David thinks that getting people into EVs as quickly as possible requires a lot of low-end and inexpensive options. Lawrence, another colleague, agreed, but warned that Mazda was considering California for the MX-30’s American debut, and 100 miles cut it terribly for the average Golden State commuter.

We can discuss all day long the value of the mythical electric vehicle under $ 20,000 which is not too much nice and can’t drive too much away, or why American drivers should be real to themselves and cool it down with their range anxiety. But the MX-30 isn’t the vehicle that should be the center of this debate – not when a beau will cost another $ 30,000 after credits. Prices could drop to the average $ 20,000 range with the additional discounts offered in California, as CarsDirect points out, although once availability expands to other states, this will not always be true. In addition, these discounts also apply to other electric vehicles.

Electric Mini Cooper SE – which is 21 inches shorter than the MX-30, five inches shorter and two inches narrower – starts just under $ 30,000 before the destination. It is rated at 114 miles. The Chevrolet Bolt starts at $ 31,000 and comes down to 259 miles. Even the base Nissan Leaf, which I know people claim doesn’t exist, offers 149 miles of range for the base S version for $ 27,400. Add a federal tax credit of $ 7,500 and the Leaf slips below that $ 20,000 threshold for commuter vehicles.

Mazda makes cars that are beautiful inside and out – in my opinion, anyway – that tend to be fun to drive. Of course, I prefer the looks of the MX-30 to that of the aforementioned reasonably priced EVs, but I have little hope that the “fun to drive” part of that statement is true. The MX-30’s front axle-mounted electric motor produces just 143 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid version with rotary range extender is still in the cards, according to Detroit News. But there’s very little for the MX-30 to do when it first launches, and the low fork-to-dollar ratio would seem to disqualify it in our lineup-obsessed market.

Admittedly, Mazda has an unusual plan to counter this. During the first three years of ownership, MX-30 buyers will be able to loan other gasoline vehicles from the brand’s lineup for up to 10 days per year. Of course, that won’t matter to second-hand customers. (Speaking of which, I shudder at the thought of how limited an MX-30’s range could be to five years in its lifespan.) Buyers will also receive a $ 500 ChargePoint credit that can be spent within stations or for installing a home charger.

After giving it a lot of thought, I’m no closer to knowing what particular customer the MX-30 is for. There are cuter EVs, cheaper EVs, EVs that offer more utility, and many more that go further for the money. Maybe the MX-30 isn’t for anyone – just Mazda government compliance.

Either way, if you decide it’s right for you, the MX-30 will start appearing in California showrooms in October.