September 15, 2023

The Mazda MX-30 R-EV Is A Rotary-Powered Hybrid That Can Power Homes During Emergencies


Mazda’s rotary engine-charged plug-in hybrid vehicles—the MX-30 R-EV has an interesting capability that could help during natural disasters and power outages.

To recall, the MX-30 R-EV still uses the electric motor to drive its wheels (like the Nissan Kicks e-Power). In this case, the EV drive puts out 170 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque. Using power sourced from a 17.8-kWh lithium-ion battery, it gives an all-electric range of about 107 kilometers.

Unlike the Kicks e-Power, the MX-30 R-EV can be plugged in and charged using either AC or DC fast charging.

When the charge does run out, an ultra-compact single-rotor rotary engine comes to life. Displacing 830 cc, it makes 74 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and 112 Nm at 4,500 rpm. It’s also small enough to be positioned in the same axle as the high output motor. With a 50-liter gas tank, it’ll go up to 600 kilometers all in all.

Now comes the interesting bit.

After the European reveal earlier in the year, Mazda is now offering the MX-30 R-EV in its home market of Japan. Now, they have revealed more capabilities of their range-extended electric vehicle (or serial hybrid plug-in hybrid if you prefer another term).

The MX-30 R-EV can not only power devices using a 150-watt AC power supply located at the front console when turned on, but using a portable external power supply, it can output up to 4.5 kilowatts in a case of emergencies and power outages.

Building up on that ability, if it’s connected to a compatible power supply system, it supports Vehicle to Home or V2H capability. This turns the MX-30 R-EV into an emergency power generator that can power a home for up to 9 days assuming a full tank of gas and a fully charged battery.

Neat, right?

4 comments:

  1. Mazda Philippines should bring the MX-30 in the Philippine market even if it's gonna be more expensive.
    This car is unique

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mazda knows no one will buy this in the Philippines

      Delete
  2. Mazda should stop bringing back that oil eating engine. Just let the rotary die already.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I want it. Serial EV, Rotary generator. Plug-in. Mazda. It's unique and great

    ReplyDelete

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