Mazda North American Operations reports that its vehicle sales in the United States more than doubled in May, reaching 33,262 units (117 percent year-over-year). During the first five months of the year, the company sold 153,997 units, which is also 20.6 percent more than a year ago.
While the general business is doing relatively well, Mazda’s all-electric car sales remain marginal, even for compliance car standards.
In May, sales of the Mazda MX-30 amounted to 18, which is almost 49 percent more than a year ago, but one unit more than in April. Compared to the brand’s total volume, that’s just 0.1 percent.
The only positive thing is that 18 units is the highest result in 11 months.
So far this year, Mazda sold 50 MX-30 in the US (actually only in California), which is 83 percent less than a year ago at this time (293). It remains a really low volume even for compliance purposes.
The Mazda MX-30 is not eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit (although the incentive might be factored into the lease). However, we guess that the main issue behind the low sales is a combination of its price (MSRP of $34,110) and low driving range (100 miles of EPA Combined range). Another thing might be limited vehicle supply.
Just to illustrate the price/performance competitiveness, let’s take a look at the table with some of the other BEVs:
| Model | Base Price | Dest. Charge | Tax Credit | Effective Price |
| 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV 1LT 17-inch | $26,500 | +$995 | $7,500 | $19,995 |
| 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV LT 17-inch | $27,800 | +$995 | $7,500 | $21,295 |
| 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select SR LFP RWD 18-inch | $42,995 | +$1,800 | $3,750 | $41,045 |
| 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric 17-inch | $33,550 | +$1,335 | N/A | $34,885 |
| 2023 Mazda MX-30 18-inch | $34,110 | +$1,375 | N/A | $35,485 |
| 2024 MINI Cooper SE Hardtop 2 door 16-inch | $30,900 | +$995 | N/A | $31,895 |
| 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD 18-inch | $40,240 | +$1,640 | $7,500 | $34,380 |
| 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Standard 19-inch | $38,995 | +$1,295 | $7,500 | $32,790 |
| 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge 19-inch | $55,300 | +$1,095 | N/A | $56,395 |
* DST prices plus other obligatory fees (Tesla)
| Model | Drive | Battery (kWh) |
EPA Range |
0-60 mph (sec) |
Top Speed |
| 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV 1LT 17-inch | FWD | 65 | 259 mi (417 km) |
6.5 | |
| 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV LT 17-inch | FWD | 65 | 247 mi (397 km) |
7.0 | |
| 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select SR LFP RWD 18-inch | RWD | 72* | 250 mi* (402 km) |
6.3 | |
| 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric 17-inch | FWD | 64 | 258 mi (415 km) |
104 mph (167 km/h) |
|
| 2023 Mazda MX-30 18-inch | FWD | 35.5 | 100 mi* (161 km) |
87 mph (140 km/h) |
|
| 2024 MINI Cooper SE Hardtop 2 door 16-inch | FWD | 32.6 | 114 mi* (183 km) |
6.9 | 93 mph (150 km/h) |
| 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD 18-inch | RWD | 272 mi (438 km) |
5.8 | 140 mph (225 km/h) |
|
| 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Standard 19-inch | RWD | 62 | 209 mi (336 km) |
7.1 | |
| 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge 19-inch | AWD | 78 | 226 mi (364 km) |
4.5 | 112 mph (180 km/h) |
* estimated/unofficial values; net battery capacity in the case of Ford
Mazda plans to electrify its lineup with more BEVs around 2028-2030, but as of today, most of the other premium brands are far ahead in terms of BEV sales. Meanwhile, Mazda’s representative said that long-range BEVs aren’t sustainable.
In January, the company introduced in Europe the Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV plug-in hybrid (series hybrid with a 17.8-kilowatt-hour battery and recharging capability). This version is not available in North America – although there is a possibility, according to some reports).