MX-30 R-EV: Mazda Rotary Hybrid Production & Release Date

MX-30 R-EV: Mazda Rotary Hybrid Production & Release Date

Mazda’s first rotary-engined model in more than a decade, the MX-30 R-EV, could be coming to roads near you. That is, if you live in one of several select markets.

Mass production of the Mazda MX-30 R-EV and its plug-in hybrid rotary powertrain began on June 22, 2023, exactly 11 years to the day that the final Mazda RX-8 rolled off the assembly line in 2012.

Based on the platform shared with the MX-30 EV model, the new Mazda MX-30 R-EV features an electric motor assisted by a single-rotor rotary engine.

Although this new Mazda rotary engine does not drive the wheels of the MX-30 R-EV, or rotary-electric vehicle, it is still the first production car to feature a Wankel rotary engine in over a decade.

If this new MX-30 PHEV model’s rollout, reception, and execution far surpass that of its predecessor, the MX-30 EV, it could see wider distribution and greater sales, leading to more Mazda rotary range extender models down the line.

Or, maybe this rotary revival will even lead to a new Mazda hybrid or electrified sports car with a rotary engine that actually drives the wheels. Mazda rotary fans can hope, at least.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, here’s what to expect regarding MX-30 R-EV production, release dates, and availability.

No Mazda MX-30 Rotary Engine Model for North America?

Contrary to what had been reported here and elsewhere, it seems the Mazda MX-30 R-EV will not be making its way stateside. At least that’s not the plan for now, as Mazda has officially canceled plans for the MX-30 R-EV release to include the United States.

Although this is not unexpected, it’s unfortunate.

The Mazda MX-30 platform never received a fair shot or full support in the States and several other markets where it has been sold.

For one, the sub-100-mile range of the MX-30 EV was simply too little for North American roads and buyer’s tastes. In the U.S., the model was only available in California in very limited supply, and with very little marketing behind it.

This new rotary range-extended plug-in hybrid model will solve the main complaint of the pure EV model, namely its short range, so this rotary-assisted version is sure to attract more interest and sales wherever it is ultimately sold.

For those reasons, it seems too big of an assumption that the rotary-assisted Mazda MX-30 R-EV model would have failed to sell in America.

As rotary engine fans here at MazdaMotoring, we’re definitely disappointed to hear that the Mazda MX-30 rotary engine model won’t be sold in the States, even if we half expected that to be the case.

So, if this new plug-in hybrid with a rotary range extender won’t be sold in Mazda’s largest market, where will it be made available? Here’s what’s been reported so far.

MX-30 R-EV Availability in Select Markets

Production of the Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, as it is officially known, began for the European model on June 22, with the MX-30 R-EV release date scheduled for autumn 2023 in European markets.

Built at Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima — where other Mazda rotary models were produced before it — the new MX-30 plug-in hybrid model will first be made available in Europe, with Japan and Australia availability likely to follow shortly after.

The MX-30 rotary plug-in hybrid is no longer slated to be released in the United States, due largely to the lack of adoption of the MX-30 EV model in California, the only U.S. state where it has been sold.

Speaking of the 100-mile-range Mazda MX-30 EV, it has now officially been pulled from the U.S. market, after both little supply and demand.

With the timing so close to that of the start of MX-30 R-EV production, it seems Mazda is eager to wrap up that part of the MX-30 model development process and turn its focus to the more promising rotary-assisted PHEV variant.

Given the untold development costs that went into producing the standalone MX-30 model, it seems likely the full EV was only the start of this model’s run, with the MX-30 R-EV and its greater range the more promising follow-up, at least for the several markets where it will be sold.

Unique Rotary-Assisted Plug-In Hybrid Model

What makes the MX-30 R-EV powertrain unique is, of course, its pairing of a Mazda rotary engine with an electric motor. The way it operates is also distinctive, yet perhaps not what rotary fans were necessarily hoping for.

Still, it could be a promising first step in the right direction for the return of rotary power to future electrified vehicles.

Instead of the rotary engine and electric motor powering the wheels in unison, only the electric motor drives the wheels. The rotary engine part of the equation only generates electricity to power the propulsion of the electric motor.

Another unique element of this rotary plug-in hybrid is that it uses just a single rotor, instead of the two, three, or even four that Mazda rotary engines are known the world over for. That’s because Mazda found that only a single rotor is required to generate enough electricity to power this plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or PHEV.

The single rotor of the new Mazda MX-30 R-EV plug-in hybrid crossover features an 830-cc displacement, which is substantially larger than the traditional 654-cc rotors used in previous production Mazda rotary engines, like the 13B and 20B.

Even the legendary R26B four-rotor engine powering the Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B featured 654-cc rotors.

The new MX-30 R-EV isn’t the first vehicle that Mazda has coupled its rotary engine with alternative fuel. The bi-fuel Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE model saw limited production, release, and trials.

Still, this plug-in hybrid rotary model is the first mass-produced car of its type. Just how mass-produced it will be, only time will tell. Regardless of how it performs on the global market stage, the MX-30 R-EV is an interesting addition to the electrified vehicle segment nonetheless.

Final Thoughts: Mazda Rotary Hybrid & MX-30 R-EV

During the MazdaMotoring team’s recent visit to Japan, we got to tour the full Mazda MX-30 lineup, including the special edition of the new rotary hybrid model, called the Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV Edition R. We also got to see Mazda MX-30 production via the assembly of new MX-30 EV models.

Our takeaway was that although diminutive and not without its shortcomings, the MX-30 platform offers plenty of innovative and classic Mazda features tied into one vehicle, which we hope will make it to higher-volume, global Mazda models to come.

While this new Mazda rotary hybrid engine will only be available in the MX-30 R-EV for the time being, a successful launch and warm reception could signal the future expansion of this distinctive plug-in hybrid powertrain to other cars or SUVs as the automaker transitions its lineup to offer more electrified vehicles.

No matter the outcome of Mazda MX-30 R-EV sales in its select markets, one thing’s for sure: it will provide many with a unique alternative to other plug-in hybrids and EVs on the market today, done the Mazda way.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Mazda MX-30 R-EV production and release date for Europe?

Production of the European model of the Mazda MX-30 R-EV began in the summer of 2023, with an expected MX-30 R-EV release date for Europe in the fall of 2023. This Mazda rotary hybrid model should arrive in Europe months before being offered in several other markets around the world, including Japan and Australia. The full list of markets hasn’t been released, but Europe will be first.

What is the Mazda MX-30 R-EV USA release date?

Mazda announced that there will not be a Mazda MX-30 R-EV USA release date, as this rotary hybrid model will not be offered in the American market. Previously, it was expected that the new MX-30 PHEV model would go on sale in Mazda’s largest and most important market, the United States. The carmaker has shelved those plans for now. Stay tuned to MazdaMotoring for updates.

What’s the difference between the MX-30 R-EV and the MX-30 EV model?

While similar in name, the “R” in the MX-30 R-EV name makes a big difference when comparing the model’s powertrain and range to that of the MX-30 EV. The new Mazda MX-30 R-EV features an electric motor assisted by a Mazda rotary engine in a plug-in hybrid fashion, enabling it to provide extended-range driving. The MX-30 EV model is fully electric and tops out around 100 miles of range.