Mazda: In the MX-30, the piston circles 🎥

In many regions of the world, vehicles with combustion engines will probably still be needed for some time because the infrastructure for electromobility is not yet in place. For example, a serial hybrid drive with a small battery and a small combustion engine as a generator could be an advantageous solution.

Japanese also rely on the Wankel

Mazda is now coming up with an interesting concept. A small Wankel engine serves as a range extender in the new MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV. This 1-disc rotary engine operates with a displacement of 830 cm³ and produces 74 hp at 4700 rpm and a maximum torque of 116 Nm. The unit integrates coaxially with the generator and the 125 kW traction engine housed in an oil-cooled engine casing.

Range of over 600 kilometers

To improve exhaust gas quality, the engine is equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation system. As a CO₂-emissions, Mazda quotes 21 g/km, which corresponds to a gasoline consumption of around one liter per 100 kilometers. The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV plug-in hybrid is powered exclusively electrically from the front wheels and manages a range of 85 kilometers with the energy of the 17.8-kWh battery alone; together with the 50 liters of gasoline for the rotary engine, more than 600 kilometers are then possible.

Three driving modes to choose from according to the situation

The drive of the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV works with three driving modes. Depending on the driving situation, a choice can be made between Normal, EV and Charge mode. As long as the battery charge is sufficient, the car drives electrically in Normal mode without the combustion engine being in operation. If more power is needed than the battery's charge level - for accelerating when overtaking, for example - the Wankel motor generator kicks in.

The hybrid model is available in five trim levels at prices starting at 42,200 Swiss francs.

Video: @behindtax
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