Mazda MX-30 rotary range extender still on target for 2022

July 14, 2021July 23, 2021 Toby Hagon 1942 Views

Mazda’s innovative rotary range extender version of the MX-30 is still on target for a 2022 launch, despite reports the program had been delayed or cancelled.

Quoting a Mazda Japan spokesman, respected publication Automotive News was the first to report the timing of the range extender MX-30 – which is set to revive the iconic rotary engine that for decades defined Mazda sports cars – was “uncertain”.

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That snowballed into stories suggesting the program had been shelved altogether.

But Mazda Australia has told EV Central there is no change to the timing of the rotary range extender.

“Mazda Corporation has confirmed there is no delay to the MX-30 range extender,” said Sonia Singh, Mazda Australia senior manager of corporate communications.

Mazda had consistently indicated the rotary range extender would be unveiled in 2022, adding to the MX-30 mild hybrid and MX-30 Electric that are already on sale in Australia.

Best estimates are that the rotary version could arrive in Australia as early as mid-2022.

However, Mazda Australia says that the car currently hasn’t been confirmed for Australia, but that the company wants it.

“We’ve put our hand up for it,” Singh said.

The range extender will use a petrol-powered rotary engine to act as a generator to supply electricity to the electric motor.

Mazda MX-30 Electric — The MX-30 range extender will use a rotary engine to supply electricity to an electric motor

While details haven’t been released, it seems logical the electric motor would be the same one used in the MX-30 Electric, with the main difference being where it draws its electricity from.

Expected to be a series hybrid system – similar to that used in the upcoming Nissan e-Power cars – the MX-30 rotary range extender should drive just like an EV.

But like other hybrids it will use a lot less fuel.

The rotary engine used in the range extender is expected to be tuned for efficiency in supplying electricity rather than excitement or performance (it’s not expected to drive the wheels, only provide electricity).

So it’s unlikely to have the zingy high-revving nature of traditional Mazda rotaries.